O
UTDOOR CONNECTION
STORIES, ADVICE AND INFORMATION FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
Birdhaven’s 2015 Spring Photo Contest
JUNE 4, 2015 ESTHERVILLE NEWS Find this publication online at www.esthervillenews.net under ʻSectionsʼ
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015
ESTHERVILLE NEWS/ESTHERVILLE, IA
Curly-leaf pondweed expands on the Iowa Great Lakes
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Much of the north end of East Okoboji is rimmed with curly-leaf pondweed. A cool water plant, it starts growing even under the ice, but by the end of June to early July, it begins to die off. Photo by Steve Weisman
predators.” However, it is still an exotic, and it can out‐compete Say the words “water” and “exotic” and right away native aquatic plants, because it starts growing so early. we think of zebra mussels, bighead carp and Eurasian The dense stand we now have can definitely cause issues watermilfoil. However, exotics cover so much more than for anglers, swimmers and boaters. At the same time, that. In our Iowa Great Lakes chain, people with their boats and personal water‐ we have other exotics that are now craft often spread curly‐leaf pondweed to part of these bodies of water. One of other areas. Curly‐leaf clings to boats, motors them, which seems to be more and trailers. With our helping hand, it can noticeable both last year and this make it to other water bodies. year is curly‐leaf pondweed. Curly‐leaf growing season Although it is in all of the lakes, it The plant’s unique life cycle is what gives it seems to be more obvious on East an advantage over many of our native aquatic Okoboji. I noticed it a year ago about plants. It actually becomes active during late this same time, in the portion of the ice conditions, so it is up and going shortly lake north of Highway 9 Bridge. This STEVE WEISMAN after ice‐out. As mentioned earlier, it begins year, however, it is showing up to the OUTDOOR EDITOR to die back by early to mid‐July, but, unfortu‐ south of the bridge extending to the nately, these die‐offs can lead to depleted Narrows. According to DNR Fisheries Biologist Mike Hawkins, “It oxygen conditions and mats of decaying plant material washing up on shorelines. With the increase in nutrients has been in the Iowa Great Lakes for decades, but it is more noticeable when the spring weather is cool and the can often come a blue‐green algae bloom. Known as water conditions are clear.” These two conditions make cyanobacteria, blue‐green algae can be pretty ugly and stinky. the perfect growing environment for this plant. Can it be controlled? Researchers have tried a lot of It is a cool water plant and starts growing even under the ice. By the end of June to early July, it begins to die methods and work in this area is ongoing, but there has been little success. According to Hawkins, “Aquatic her‐ off. On a positive note, Hawkins notes that it provides bicides can provide some control, but their use can be habitat for young bluegills, crappie, and yellow perch. “These tiny fish use the beds of plants as nursery habitat. expensive and problematic in public waters, especially those associated with drinking supplies like we have here The thick stands provide food and escape cover from
Conditions right for plant’s growth
in the Iowa Great Lakes. Private pesticide application in public water bodies is illegal and strictly controlled. Mechanical removal or cutting can be a solution for homeowners around docks and boat hoists. This can be done without a permit as long as state rules are fol‐ lowed.”
So, what now? Curly‐leaf pondweed is here, and it’s not going away. However, we can’t just throw in the towel and give up. It is a human problem: humans have introduced so many of our exotics into our waters. That’s why we have the laws and the enforcement we have for exotics. There are so many more exotics out there that could enter the Iowa Great Lakes if we do not maintain our diligence. Can you imagine if several more were to get into the system? What damage would be done then? Being an old coach, I always believe this: never give up. Never throw in the towel. In this instance, our natural resources, even when they have been somewhat com‐ promised, are way too important for us to just give up. The answer is the same as it has always been when we spend time on the water. Always check for and remove plants, mud and debris from boats, trailers, clothing, and equipment before leaving a water body. Drain all water from bait buckets, bilges, and live wells before transport‐ ing to new waters. Clean all gear and equipment with hot water or let boats and equipment dry thoroughly for several days before entering a new body of water.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015
ESTHERVILLE NEWS/ESTHERVILLE, IA
Proposed waterfow, deer regulations are approved for public comment DES MOINES - The Natural Resource Commission of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources approved proposed seasons and bag limits for waterfowl and resident deer hunting during its monthly meeting on May 14. The proposals were developed after a statewide public meeting over the Iowa Communications Network on March 25 where the DNR asked participants what went well last fall, what didnʼt, and what changes hunters and trappers would like to see for this fall. The proposals will be available for formal comment from June 10-30. Persons who wish to convey their comments orally may contact the Wildlife Bureau at 515-725-8200 or visit the fourth floor of the Wallace State Office Building in Des Moines during regular business hours. Any interested person may make written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendments on or before June 30, 2015. Written comments may be directed to the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Bureau Chief, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034; by e-mail at wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov. The Iowa DNR will host a public hearing June 30, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the third floor conference rooms of the Wallace State Office Building in Des Moines. At the public hearing, persons may present their views either orally or in writing. Participants will be asked to give their names and addresses for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of the amendments. Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the DNR and request specific accommodations. Proposed Migratory Game Bird Seasons The proposals adjust the season dates to comply with what DNR anticipates the 2015-2016 federal regulations will be based upon meetings with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) this year at the Mississippi Flyway Council. The final regulations are not published until July, yet the season begins in September, so the DNR is obligated to begin the rulemaking process before the final parameters have been set. The proposed amendments also ensure the seasons open on weekends. Ducks, Mergansers and Coots North Zone – Oct. 3-18, and Oct. 24-Dec. 6; South Zone – Oct. 3-7, and Oct. 17- Dec. 10; Missouri River Zone – Oct. 3-7, and Oct. 24-Dec. 17 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days North Zone – Sept. 26-27
South Zone – Oct. 10-11 Missouri River Zone- Oct. 17-18 Canada Geese and Brant North Zone - Sept. 26 – Jan. 1, 2016 South Zone – Oct. 3 – Jan. 8, 2016 Missouri River Zone – Oct. 10 – Jan. 15, 2016 White-fronted Geese North Zone – Sept. 26 – Dec. 8 South Zone – Oct. 3 – Dec. 15 Missouri River Zone – Oct. 10 – Dec. 22 Light Geese (white and blue phase snow geese and Rossʼs geese) North Zone – Sept. 26 – Jan. 10, 2016 South Zone – Oct. 3 – Jan. 15, 2016 Missouri River Zone – Oct. 10 – Jan. 15, 2016 Special Canada Goose Zones – designated areas around Des Moines, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City and Cedar Falls/Waterloo – Sept. 5-13 Statewide Light Geese Conservation Order (white and blue phase snow geese and Rossʼs geese) Jan. 16 – April 15, 2016 Statewide Special September Teal Season – Sept. 5-20 Proposed Changes to Migratory Game Bird Possession Limits The DNR is also proposing to raise the possession limit for common snipe from 16 to 24 birds, Virginia rail and sora from 24 to 36 birds in aggregate of both species, for woodcock from 6 to 9 birds, and for doves from 30 to 45 birds. The daily bag limits would remain unchanged. This increase is based upon what the DNR anticipates the 2015-2016 federal regulations on possession limits will be for these species from meetings with the USFWS this year at the Mississippi Flyway Council. Proposed Changes to Resident Deer Hunting Proposed antlerless deer quotas for 2015 are the same as 2014. The regulation changes enacted for the 2014 season appear to have stabilized deer numbers at the levels agreed to in 2009 by the Deer Study Advisory Group. The DNR has proposed to amend the requirement for the type of broadhead for use with crossbows during the late muzzleloader season to be the same as that required for archery equipment during the regular bow season. The final proposed change clarifies which professionals are considered attending physicians for purposes of signing the affidavit needed to obtain a disabled hunter license. The rule clarifies that medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners may certify the form.
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Some small lakes can hold some of the biggest walleyes. Photo submitted
BIG TIME WALLEYES ON SMALL TIME WATER
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BY JASON MITCHELL
arger established bodies of water get a lot of attention from walleye anglers. Well‐ known destination fisheries are some of the surest bets for experiencing great fishing. Locations like Devils Lake in northeastern North Dakota or Lake Sakakawea in western North Dakota are two premier walleye fish‐ ing destinations in North Dakota. I also love Fort Peck Reservoir in east‐ ern Montana. Walker is one of my favorite little communities in Minnesota on the shore of Leech Lake… that is where I like to hide out with my family for short mini vaca‐ tions and Leech Lake is one my favorite places to film a fishing show. Also fell in love with Kabetogema Lake in the north country of soda land. What so often gets overlooked or unsaid however is that there are truly
great fishing destinations on small lakes scattered across the Midwest. Small lakes can offer the same chal‐ lenges as big lakes. The really good lakes get little fan fare because small lakes can’t take a lot of angling pres‐ sure so anglers are much tighter lipped to protect these fisheries. We film a lot of television on small lakes and at times, viewers get upset with us for not naming the actual lake. On smaller lakes less than a few thou‐ sand acres, we will often just say which area or county we are fishing and leave the lake unnamed unless the lake is large enough to support the pressure. My reasoning for doing so is because I know in my heart that a lake will get devastated if a couple hundred anglers descend on a tiny lake. Not all big time walleye fishing opportunities are on big time water. There are a few areas in the Country
that really stand out to me for having numerous small lake fishing opportu‐ nities that are top notch. The Glacial Lakes Region of South Dakota is as good as fishing gets. There are also many small lakes in central and southern North Dakota that are simi‐ lar by design. If you look at a map of North Dakota between Bismarck and Jamestown and look north and south of the interstate by about seventy miles, you are looking at a lot of untapped walleyes. Ottertail and Becker Counties in western Minnesota are fun but there are hid‐ den treasures all across the Midwest. The DNR or Game and Fish websites are helpful resources for each respec‐ tive state where net surveys and stocking reports can help you find some of these under the radar gems. Biggest challenge of finding good Turn to WALLEYE, Page 5
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015
ESTHERVILLE NEWS/ESTHERVILLE, IA
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Butterfly Gardening BY MIRIAM PATTON
small as a single pot. Anything you can do will make a difference. Just remem‐ he importance of pollinators has ber that some of the plants will get been in the news recently, with eaten (by caterpillars) if you plan it well. discussions on why their numbers Locate the garden in a sunny area. are declining and what individuals can do Butterflies like it warm and most butter‐ to help the situation. Bees, butterflies, fly‐attracting plants prefer sunshine. hummingbirds and even flies and mos‐ Choose plants that provide a lot of nec‐ quitoes, are all important pollinators of tar. Butterflies seem to prefer yellow, more than one third of the food we con‐ purple, orange and red flowers. sume and over 75 percent of the wild‐ Clusters of flat‐topped blossoms pro‐ flowers we enjoy. vide a good place for the butterflies to Creating a butterfly garden is a way to land. Single flowers instead of double consciously provide more nectar sources varieties provide more nectar and are and larval food for one group of these easier to feed on than those with more pollinators, but you will attract even petals. Plant clumps of three to five of more than butterflies. It is easy to invite the same kind of flowers to create butterflies to your backyard by garden‐ splashes of color on the landscape. ing with their needs in mind. Remember to pick a variety of plants Consider the space you have. Your gar‐ that will bloom from early spring to late den can be as big as the backyard, or as fall. Good sources of nectar include flow‐ PALO ALTO COUNTY NATURALIST
T
WALLEYE, Continued from Page 5 walleye fishing on some smaller bodies of water is finding which lake to fish. The other challenge is breaking down a lake fast to find fish. The prairie dish bowl lakes of the Glacial Lakes Region of South Dakota along with the new lakes in central North Dakota are just that… dish bowl lakes with little structure across the basin. For much of the year, you can’t go wrong working the shore‐ line. Shoreline contours that have the right depth profile combining either weeds or a harder bottom like sand, gravel or rock often hold walleyes for much of the year. Another top location is any saddle that was basically a high spot between two potholes when the water was lower. Submerged roadbeds and points are other good locations. At times, fish will randomly scatter across these basins but any structure present can be a calling card for walleye. Reality with most small lakes is that there are few good maps available. Accurate GPS maps are such a valuable tool and once you use good mapping, it is tough to fish without it. Logging sonar data and creating your own map has long been possible but very time consuming with some fairly expensive equipment and some know how. One new piece of technology that is really going to change how we fish small lakes is actually a couple of Apps on your cell phone if you use iPhone or Android. The
Sonar Phone is a free App that requires installing a Wi Fi signal transducer manu‐ factured by Vexilar that has a retail price of less than a couple hundred bucks. Video showing Apps in action can be found at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzRd6MA7 XV0 After you upload the Sonar Phone App, you also upload the Navionics GPS Mapping App, which costs about fifteen dollars. Navionics has a new feature that offers a live chart update using the Sonar Phone. You basically make a map as you fish. The more you fish a lake, the better and more detailed your custom map becomes. What is nice about this tech‐ nology is that it is cheap and easy, all you have to do is have your apps running as you fish. I have gotten into the habit of wearing my iPhone right on my wrist as I fish so that I always have my sonar in front of me no matter where I am stand‐ ing in the boat. Many of these small natural lakes in the Dakotas and western Minnesota are pre‐ dominately shallow and fertile, the result of a high water cycle. These lakes often fish extremely well early in the season (which is typical of small water) and often an advantage as this water warms up more quickly. What will sometimes surprise some anglers is just how well these lakes can sometimes fish through the dog days of summer.
ers like Bee Balm (Monarda), Blazing Star, Coneflower, Cosmos, Goldenrod, Ironweed, Joe‐Pye‐Weed, Lantana and Zinnia. A mix of annuals and perennials creates a nice selection throughout the growing season. Host plants are those that the butterfly will lay its eggs on and provide food for the caterpillar stage. Butterflies are host specific, meaning that each species has its preferred food plant and will lay eggs on only a few varieties. Monarchs, of course, lay their eggs on milkweed plants. If you want to attract Swallowtails, choose dill, carrot, parsley or even trees like cherry, birch, apple, willow and lilac. The little blue butterflies like Spring Azure, Eastern Tailed Blue or Gray Hairstreak lay eggs on dogwood, cherry, sumac, clovers, alfalfa, and mint. The Comma and Question Mark butter‐ flies like elms, hackberry and even net‐ tles. The Painted Lady lays eggs on this‐ tle, burdock, hollyhock and mallow. Crescents and Checkerspots like asters.
Members of the Fritillary family prefer violets, pansies and sedum. If you truly want to attract butterflies to your yard, get excited when you see evidence of these plants being eaten! Don’t forget to provide water and basking sites in your garden. You can use a shallow dish like the bottom tray for a potted plant. Fill it part way with sand and then add water. Butterflies can stand in the sand and sip water with their long tongues. Add large flat stones to the garden so butter‐ flies can rest and soak up the sun. Several final things to remember: the purpose is to provide food for the but‐ terflies, so don’t use herbicides and pes‐ ticides. It is also best to wait until spring to trim back stalks and stems of the plants, as many butterflies overwinter in the egg or chrysalis stage. Pick a few new plants to try this year and see which butterflies visit your gar‐ den. As the saying goes, “if you build it, they will come.”
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015
ESTHERVILLE NEWS/ESTHERVILLE, IA
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ZEBRA MUSSEL LARVAE SAMPLED IN BIG SPIRIT LAKE Ever since zebra mussels “Even though the number is were discovered on the very small, finding larval zebra Okoboji chain in late 2012, mussels in Big Spirit Lake indi‐ we’ve been worried cates an adult population may about Big Spirit Lake. be present in the lake,” said There was the fear that Mike Hawkins, adding, “addi‐ sooner or later it would tional sampling and time will be happen, and they would needed to confirm these find‐ be found in Big Spirit. ings.” On Thursday, May 28, The impact to the Iowa Great STEVE WEISMAN Mike Hawkins, fisheries Lakes is unclear as zebra mus‐ OUTDOOR EDITOR biologist at the Spirit Lake sels become established. Zebra Hatchery, sent out a mussels are filter feeders and release confirming that zebra mussels had directly compete with native species, includ‐ been found on Big Spirit. Over the past few ing mussels and small fish, for food. Zebra days, Hawkins has spent a lot of time giving mussels also adhere to hard objects. If den‐ interviews with local media and regional sities are high enough, they can smother media sources discussing the findings. native mussels by attaching to their shells. Drinking water utilities and the State Fish Here is the May 28th release… An additional lake in the Iowa Great Lakes Hatchery are also impacted since zebra mus‐ chain may be facing infestation from zebra sels could attach and grow on the inside of intake pipes, potentially clogging them. mussels. A water sample taken from Big According to Hawkins, drinking water utili‐ Spirit Lake last fall and recently processed ties in the Iowa Great Lakes region have by Iowa DNR personnel contained two lar‐ val zebra mussels. These larvae are only visi‐ been proactive and have been working on implementing solutions to protect their ble under a microscope. intakes and infrastructure. The Spirit Lake BY BEN R. LEAL Recycled Fish Program Director
STEWARDSHIP TIP:
STEWARDSHIP IS ALSO ABOUT STEWARDING RELATIONSHIPS
Each month in this column, we talk about “stewardship,” in one form or another. Mostly itʼs about stewardship of our waters, of our fisheries. We educate about not dumping bait, better ways to hold fish, or the ways our everyday choices affect our waters. But being a good steward is also about stewarding relationships. One of those relationships for all of us who fish is our relationship to our lakes, streams and seas. But the relationships with the people around us matter, too. For that matter, our relationship with God factors in just as well. As we close in on Fatherʼs Day, we wanted to share an excerpt from the book Fish, Frogs & Fireflies, available on Amazon from NorLights Press. This essay by Teeg Stouffer takes a little different look at stewardship, and relationship between our waters, his father, and our Heavenly Father. …Sunrise, hues of peach
and blue. And the dew – the dew soaks my shoes on the march across the meadow between the campsite and the lake. And the lake is smooth and silent, and so am I, and so is Dad. Back at camp, mom and brother Ben are sleeping. We did not wake them. We got up quietly, went to the water quietly, and to me itʼs reverent. This time is sacred and special – we are awake, they are asleep. Itʼs clear. Itʼs beyond Technicolor, itʼs High Definition. The pines across the water, the pasture that rises behind it, the oak glade, they are tack-sharp. The morning isnʼt softened by fog, it is vibrant and lively, and we are alive in it. This canoe, resting half in and half out of the water isnʼt old in the way that antiques are old. Itʼs old the way your favorite jeans are old. And it didnʼt come from an outdoor mega-store, because those havenʼt been invented yet. It came from Sears. It is long, and heavy, and fiberglass,
Fish Hatchery is also investigating options to protect its intake and facility on Big Spirit Lake. The hatchery raises northern pike, muskellunge and walleye, which are stocked throughout the state. “Public awareness and action are keys to preventing the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species,” said Kim Bogenschutz, Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator for the Iowa DNR. To help raise awareness of aquatic invasive species, DNR employees will be doing watercraft inspections and invasive species education at public boat ramps across Iowa throughout the summer. “Overland transport of boats is one of the most common ways aquatic invasive species are spread,” said Bogenschutz. “By taking some simple precautions – clean, drain, dry – boaters and anglers can help stop aquatic hitchhikers.” n CLEAN any plants, animals, or mud from your boat and equipment before leaving a waterbody. n DRAIN water from all equipment (motor, live well, bilge, transom well, bait bucket) before leaving a waterbody. and the front seat is mine. My hands are on the gunwales and sliding along them as I stay low and creep to my seat. And Dad is pushing us off, and we are floating, and Dad picks up his paddle, and I pick up my rod. Happy. And his paddle dips, and then water drips, and his paddle dips, and then water drips, and I cast. And the lure lands, sending circles across the surface. And when I reel, the lure comes to life, the jointed lure that swims so seductively – but it doesnʼt get far. Not more than a few yards back to the boat, because a bass has grabbed it. There was no explosion, no eruption of water, no ferocity, just a jolt up the line and down my rod and in my hands. Then a deep bow in the rod – the hookset – the fight – and now the fish is in the air! And now itʼs plowing down into the forest of weeds that reach toward the sky from the floor of the lake. And Dad doesnʼt pick up a rod to cast, he steadies the boat, he watches. It is not
n DRY anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, boots, clothing, dogs). Before transporting to another waterbody either: Spray your boat and trailer with hot, high‐pressure water; or Dry your boat and equipment for at least 5 days. What’s next Although I am no biologist, I care greatly for this Iowa Great Lakes area. The biolo‐ gists will keep us informed, and people like Kim Bogenschutz will give us as many point‐ ers as she can about what we can do. From my point of view, it’s more impor‐ tant than ever to keep up the fight. We can’t just give up and let things go. There are many more exotics out there that can find their way to our lakes. We are a very mobile society, and people are constantly on the move as they use lakes and rivers across the country. The likelihood of this happening again is definitely high. That’s why we need to take on this and future challenges. We need to do our job to protect what we can. Let’s all take this pledge to fight for and protect our waters!
profound words spoken in this moment. It is in the being there. Itʼs in the doing. The fish is at the boat, Iʼm grabbing it by the lip, itʼs out of the water. The fish is healthy but not huge. Iʼm unhooking it. Iʼm turning it toward Dad. “Nice one,” he says. He smiles. Nobody gets out a camera. There is no iPhone. There is no GoPro. Those are decades away. We will just have this memory. And the fish is back in the water, and it is gone, and weʼre paddling on. It is free! We are free. Easing across this lake, untethered, no expectation, no competition, no obligation. Floating, at peace. Under the control of both nature and our own choices, nosing the boat where we want to go. Free! That holy moment that I encountered as a kid, that special morning that Iʼve treasured all my life, that is a metaphor, I just didnʼt know it until later. My Dad modeled God on that day, like he has
in so many other ways before and after. He set the day into motion that morning, by saying OK to fishing early. He made the time special, by letting it be just us, our time. He powered the boat, he steered, and he let me play. He said, “good job,” he let me feel the love of his pride over me. And while my Dad did his part, I know God was doing His too, doing all the stuff my Dad couldn't do, like making the morning peach and blue hues, high definition and alive. For me and for many, and I hope for you too, fish and frogs and fireflies are fun. Theyʼre the ingredients to a happy life, they are nutrients in a healthy diet of adventure and broad horizons. They are evidence of a Creation that is beautifully and intricately designed with each of us in mind. Editorʼs note: Each month the outdoor page will feature a column by Recycled Fish, a nonprofit organization founded by Teeg Stouffer in 2003.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015
ESTHERVILLE NEWS/ESTHERVILLE, IA
7
Birdhaven’s spring 2015 photo contest BY CAROLE LOCHMILLER BIRDHAVEN
To date, we've had three winners in our photo contest: Brianna Graff with a picture of a Brown Thrasher; and Ryer Donkersloot with pic‐ tures of a Yellow Warbler and an American Redstart. They received 5 pounds of the bird seed of their choice. The rules reviewed What we need is a 4" x 6" photo of a bird from Wendell's list brought into the store. The rest of the birds on the list are the Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager & Ovenbird. The first photo will receive 5 pounds of the seed of choice. A second category is adults such as the Red‐Bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker Purple Martin, American Robin and Common Grackle. feeding young birds. These pictures should be easy to take this time of year. We look forward to receiv‐ ing the pictures and giving out seed to the winners. Enjoying the birds We are all glad that spring has finally made its arrival. Wendell and I weren't the only ones who thought they heard orioles and wrens long before their arrival. Now those birds are all here and going about their spring lives with great abandon. I love hearing the Purple Martins. They chatter constantly, but it is a pleasant chatter. I'm not sure wren chatter is pleasant, but it sure is con‐ stant. The wrens are back in my "Heritage" River Birch. This year they had to accept a new house as the roof on the old one definitely was not rain proof anymore. There are three other wren houses nearby but they prefer the birch tree. It is important to have sev‐ eral houses as they select their nesting sites much as we select a new home. In my
case, the tree is right outside my neighbor’s bedroom win‐ dow. Good thing Andy is a good sport! Continuing the robin story from last year. Our robins from last year did return and built a nest (actually added on to the one from last year) on the back of Andy's garage. We knew it is the same pair because of the nesting site, their anger at Martha, Andy's dog (when she is out and about) and their fondness for the Fruit & Nut mix that I keep on a squirrel‐proof feed‐ er in the middle of my front yard. Unfortunately the little robins disappeared when they had barely hatched. I blamed that on the feral cat I've seen lately. Several customers and I have had the discussion about grackles (blackbirds). That is one of the instances where it is six of one and a half dozen of another. Yes the grackles eat the Fruit & Nut mix, too, but I want to feed the robins and other birds that love that seed. Last night two pair of Mourning Doves were vying for eating spots. If you observe closely, it is easy to see there is a pecking order among birds. There are two other feeders that contain safflower, which the doves love, so the two pair were busy going from one feeder to the other. The not so good part is I haven't seen the resident orioles for a few days. I've tried moving the grape jelly feeder to a dif‐ ferent location but nothing has worked so far. Meanwhile, at Bird Haven there are a lot of orioles. Stop in to watch, sometime. We have gotten in a sub‐ stantial supply of the Gardman squirrel proof cages. They come with a seed feeder inside the cage, which is easily removed. Last year Wendell devised a way to put a dish inside the cage for grape jelly. Only orioles and catbirds can fit in the cage or
Orchard Oriole enjoying grape jelly at Birdhaven. Photo by Wendell Hansen other little birds that have a fondness for grape jelly. Once the orioles are gone, it is easy to reinstall the seed feeder and have a squirrel proof feeder the rest of the year. Meanwhile the expense of grape jelly is lessened. The six of one half dozen of another applies, too. Putting the jelly in an open feeder will attract many other birds including Rose‐Breasted Grosbeaks. We think there are four nesting pair of gros‐ beaks here, and they really like the Nutra‐saf, which is a type of safflower that has thinner shells and is higher in protein. Prepare to have more house finches when you add this seed to your offerings as well as cardinals. I refer to myself as a "tree person". Every year finds me looking for a spot for another tree. That has been quite the challenge with 18 big, old burr oaks in my yard. I've planned and planted for con‐ secutive blooms and lots of berries for the birds. The Amalancher (serviceberry) is forming berries as is the dwarf crabapple. The "Ivory Silk" Lilac tree will bloom later in June. Although it does not have berries, it will be beautiful with its big white plumes and a good nesting &
roosting spot. Then there's the "Cockspur" Hawthorne, which I love. It will be bloom‐ ing soon and will later have a good crop of red berries. Temptation for the Cedar Waxwings. We are planning on planting a tree near the flag pole at Bird Haven. We haven't decid‐ ed on which variety but it will definitely be berry‐producing. When working toward attracting more humming‐ birds, plan on masses of color that they can spot easily when flying around the neighborhood. Salvia is a good one, both annual and perennial. My salvias "May Night" are showing color now. My "Wine & Roses" weigela is one of my favorite bushes. I spotted one in tree farm at a local garden center recently. I am mentally trying to locate a
spot in my yard. "Wine & Roses" has burgundy foliage with dark rose, trumpet shaped flowers that are mag‐ nets for hummers. There are, of course, other varieties ‐ some shorter, some taller. The kicker here is that bun‐ nies are also fond of them. Mine should easily be 4' tall by now but is only a foot or so. I did remember to spray it with deer and rabbit repellant so it is blooming quite well. My thinking is that in a tree form it would be safer from bunny attacks. Last night I discovered that my birch tree is setting on what I call "catkins" or the lit‐ tle seed pods that hang down. Goldfinches devour those seeds. I could continue further on what to plant to attract birds. If that is your plan, too, be sure to consult the experts at our local gar‐ den centers.
Migration has been quite the interesting time around Bird Haven. Many varieties of warblers love the gently flow‐ ing water in the ponds and lit‐ tle stream that connects them. Orioles are, of course, orange but when they fly away from the water areas, they are really bright orange. Wendell has been spotting an Orchard Oriole at Birdhaven for awhile now, and we are hoping for a nesting pair. Last week there were many Pine Siskins. They ate the 50/50 blend with the goldfinches, but they have now headed north. Also seen here is a Red‐ Headed Woodpecker. Those woodpeckers are rather rare especially in urban areas. I hope everyone gets out and enjoys the wonderful spring all over our area. Enjoy all this wonderful beauty and activity around us!
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015
ESTHERVILLE NEWS/ESTHERVILLE, IA
C8
GET THE NET
BY BOB JENSEN
ly netted and released has much better odds for survival. Another consideration: Sometimes you get into a school of fish that are biters and want to get caught. This can be a was fishing with my friend Mike Gottheardt on very brief period of time. To take full advantage of these Sturgeon Bay of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin recently. biters, it’s good to get the fish in the boat and your line It was on this trip that I re‐remembered why netting back in the water as quickly as possible. By netting the fish, the fish that’s on the end of your line can be a good idea. Actually, it’s a good idea for several reasons. Following are you’ll be able to get your bait back in the water faster, which increases your chances of getting bit. some of those reasons. Last reason for netting: Netting your fish gets your boat On our recent days on the waters of Sturgeon Bay, the partner involved. This is especially good for young anglers. wind was blowing: Blowing hard. Really hard. We were fishing smallmouth bass in areas that were a bit protected, We want them taking part in the experience. Some young‐ sters enjoy netting the fish as much as but still pretty windblown. catching the fish, or at least they like net‐ The boat was moving up and down To see the newest episodes of ting better than just watching. This is a with the waves. This lifting/falling Fishing the Midwest TV, visit good opportunity to make them part of effect can make landing larger fish the experience and to also teach proper tricky. We were catching smallmouth consistently. Some were swingers, but FISHINGTHEMIDWEST COM netting technique. Speaking of netting technique, there are some were too large to swing. Also visit We started the day reaching into the FACEBOOK.COM/FISHINGTHEMIDWEST three considerations: Net the fish head‐ first, don’t chase the fish with the net, and water to hand‐land the fish, but it was don’t put the net in the water until you’re hard to do with the boat going up and down with the waves. And, not only was it difficult to grab ready to scoop the fish. the fish, but if multi‐hook lures were being used, it was dan‐ Many modern nets are designed to be fish‐friendly. The bags on nets from years past were rough and could dam‐ gerous. Mike and I quickly agreed that it would be better for us and the fish if we netted them. We could get the fish age fish, but that’s not as much of an issue anymore. As we get into the heart of the open water fishing sea‐ in the boat much faster, and much safer. son, keep a net in your boat and use it whenever the bite is Even on calm days though, it’s usually better to net the good or whenever you have a larger fish on the end of your fish. If you’re landing the fish by hand, you have to wear it out pretty good to get a hand on it. If you’re going to keep line or whenever you want to make the fishing experience more fun for your boat partners. That means we should net the fish that’s okay, but if you want to release it, chances for a successful release are reduced. Fish that are played to most of the fish that we’re lucky enough or skilled enough exhaustion don’t survive release as well. A fish that’s quick‐ to trick into eating our bait. FISHING THE MIDWEST FISHING TEAM
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Mike Gottheardt got this smallmouth in the boat quickly with a net, then got his bait back in the water quickly in search of another bass.