Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Teresa Testroet
Topic: The Big Year: Hummingbird Nests
at McFarland Park

Our BBAS meeting that was cancelled in February will now be held this Thursday evening, March 5, at Ames Public Library.  Business meeting will start at 6:30 PM, with our guest speaker Teresa Testrote's program to begin about 7 PM.

Presentation:  THE BIG YEAR--HUMMINGBIRD NESTS AT McFARLAND PARK

Speaker: Teresa Testrote is in her second year as a retiree. She began her teaching career in Yuma, AZ and ended it 33 years later at Ames High School.  Teresa began birding in the early 2000s and photography came shortly after to help in the identification of the birds.  Besides Eastern Bluebirds and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, hummingbirds quickly became her favorite and with that she was forced to hone her photography skills.

Celebrate Iowa's Outdoors Day

March 24, 2026, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (US Central)

Location:
Iowa State Capitol

Join hundreds of other individuals and organizations — for the second annual Celebrate Iowa's Outdoors Day at the Iowa State Capitol on Tuesday, March 24. Interactive displays, engaging speakers and a complimentary lunch!

Find more details and RSVP at https://www.inhf.org/events/celebrate-iowas-outdoors-day

After lunch, those who have donated land or land value to the state of Iowa in the last year will be honored and thanked with the annual Gift to Iowa's Future Day ceremony. Both events offer a chance to engage with your legislators and express gratitude for great conservation work.

Go birdwatching.  Count bird species.  Get sponsors to donate to this event, the #1 fundraiser for Big Bluestem Audubon Society's mission for 28 years running.  

Proceeds fund outdoor education, partner with other organziations to purchase critical wildlife habitat in Story and Boone counties, and raise awareness of the importance of birds and a healthy natural world.

If you are participating in any other bird-related event on May 9th, PLEASE combine it with Birdathon, see how many birds you can see and help other dedicated Birdathon participants raise a few more dollars!

For questions or more information, use the Contact Form on this website. 

The annual Bird Festival at the Wild Birds Unlimited store is planned for Saturday, May 9.  Put that on your calendar because  there will be all sorts of bird walks planned, interesting wildlife & conservation booths there, & awesome speakers.