Kip’s Comments - December 30, 2025

One Bird… Footprints in the Snow

Within the past couple of days a young birder reported the appearance of a rare bird (for Iowa) in a wooded area north of Cedar Falls. Other birders confirmed the presence of the bird with photos. With that information birders have come out to try to see this uncommon avian visitor.

I tromped on the wooded trail today looking for the bird, but was not successful. I did see a lone brown creeper from a distance, but not the target rare bird. Still, even without seeing the bird I was thrilled. Why? Because of what I saw in the snow.

Brown Creeper - Image 1053381

The location of the bird sighting was .7 miles from the parking area… not a short walk in the park. Add snow and rocky terrain (in spots) and you understand the challenge. Yet, the path to the sighting area was packed with footprints.

Footprints in the Snow - Image 1053610

One small bird that weighs next to nothing is bringing people to the outdoors in the winter. Folks are getting out to enjoy our natural landscape. People are outside!

Seeing so many footprints was reward enough for my bird search. Yes, I would have liked to have seen the bird and maybe I will next time. For now I am satisfied with what I have seen - footprints in the snow.

While outside I did see other wildlife, as seen here.

Trumpeter Swan on Cedar River - Image 1053627

Opossum in Snow - Image 1053423