Jester Park.....

We drove to an area called Jester Park.It is a huge 400 acre mudflat complex where migrating birds gather.

We spotted a couple of egrets right away.

In the distance we could see long lines of white birds but couldn't tell what they were......

....until we saw an individual a little closer. American White Pelicans!

According to a booklet I got later:

"The reservoir is drawn down slightly after the 4th of July creating ideal habitat for early migrant shorebirds near Jester Park. 3,000-8,000 Pelican stage here also beginning in August and peaking around Labor Day."

That's a lot of pelicans!

I wish my shots were better but the distance was very great. I would love to see those lovely wings better.

Lining up.

If you look closely there is a heron in front of the pelicans on the left in the grassy spot.

I know these photos are a lot alike, but I really liked this mass of birds! Here one was winging by in front of the group. I kept hoping the whole group would decided to fly and hope for some good shots.....didn't happen.

The most closely cropped shot I have. At that distance we thought they were some sort of white geese when we first saw them. Pelicans never even occurred to me.

A pair a little closer to us.

Swimming alone.

I think this heron (and turtle at its feet) were further along in the park.

A butterfly among the rocks....a Checkered White?

Jester Park is also home to an area of elk and bison with a nice child-friendly learning area nearby.

I liked this huge spider web on the post.

A female elk grazing

(Mike shot some of these...he's taller and could see them better over the grasses!)

A nice looking male

I like the reflection in the water....Mike's

I think it looks like it is smiling :-)

The bison were harder to see.

That is about it for Iowa and birds. I have some photos from downtown I may get to eventually...or not. The Des Moines Quilt Show photos are available to be seen through a link in my quilt blog.