Decorah has landed a large convention

Nationally known bird expert Dr. Ted Floyd

Birders from across Iowa and from surrounding states will gather in Decorah later this month for the fall meeting of the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. 

Nationally known bird expert Dr. Ted Floyd will headline the conference, which is being held at the Oaks Steakhouse August 26th through the 28th.  Dr. Floyd's keynote address, "Birding at Night - The Final Frontier", will highlight using nocturnal flight calls as a bird identification aid.  He will also lead a birding session without binoculars or other visual aids and will lead an interactive warbler identification session.

Raptor Resource Project director Bob Anderson will present an update on what has been learned from the Eagle Cam and exciting new information on Peregrine Falcon Effigies.  

Luther College Ornithology instructor Dr. Tex Sordahl will lead field trips and share his extensive knowledge about turkey vultures. 

Other birding trip leaders include Winneshiek County Conservation naturalist Larry Reis and Upper Iowa Audubon Society birders Dennis Carter and Ellen Bell.

All sessions and activities will be held at the Oaks Steakhouse on Highway 9. 

For registration information and a complete schedule, go on line to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union website at www.iowabirds.org.  The weekend will provide plenty of opportunities for birders of all experience levels to learn about birds and go birding in Decorah area hotspots. 

The general public is invited to register.  You do not have to be an IOU member to register to participate.  The $20 registration fee covers the Friday night social, Saturday and Sunday morning field trips, Saturday afternoon sessions, the keynote address following the Saturday evening banquet, a copy of Ted Floyd's booklet, "Let's Go Birding," other handouts and other events.

Questions about the event can be sent to Tom.Schilke@gmail.com or roisenp1950@yahoo.com.