SWISHER — For many, late summer signals the start of school and the end to a more relaxed season. This time of year is also a transition period for many of our wildlife including the American White Pelicans that begin their long journey from northern breeding areas to southern wintering areas.
Along the way these colossal white birds make numerous stops to fuel up. In Iowa, this means our reservoirs host legions of pelicans and we get an opportunity to gawk at them! Area bird groups, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting an opportunity to learn about, and watch, these magnificent birds Sunday, August 27 as they stopover at the Coralville Reservoir.
When – Sunday, August 27, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where – Hawkeye Wildlife Area, across from the DNR office at 2564 Amana Rd. NW, Swisher
Note: Amana Road currently has closed signs but will be open to the Pelican Festival location.
What – Pelican viewing assisted by binoculars and spotting scopes made available by local birding volunteers plus several exhibitors and educational wildlife programming.
Schedule of events and exhibitors
Presentations:
12:30 p.m. – American White Pelican, Doug Harr
1:00 p.m. – Live Peregrine Falcon, Joan Schnabel
1:30 p.m. – Bats, Karen Disbrow
2:00 p.m. – Bees Kneez, Dave Irwin
2:30 p.m. – American White Pelican, Doug Harr
Exhibitors:
Burr Oak Land Trust
Cedar County Conservation
Eastern Iowa Beekeepers
Iowa Audubon
Iowa County Conservation
Iowa Master Naturalists
Iowa Native Plant Society
Iowa Ornithologist’s Union
Iowa Wildlife Federation
Prairie States Mushroom Club
Sierra Club
Special thanks to the hosts – Iowa DNR, Iowa Audubon, Iowa City Bird Club, Cedar Rapids Audubon Society, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and to Lenock and Cilec Ace Hardware for paint used during this event.
For more event information call or text 319-430-0315.
Hawkeye Wildlife Area 12th annual Pelican Festival is August 27
August 16, 2023
Jim Durbin • Provided photo
Pelicans will be available to be observed Sunday, August 27 during the Hawkeye Wildlife Area’s 12th annual Pelican Festival.
