Kip’s Comments - May 27, 2026
Even with Issues, the Diversity is Amazing
A frequent topic of discussion (myself included) is the water level and its impact on fishing/recreation on the Wapsipinicon River. Some attribute the decline of the fish population to the presence of predators. Others (myself included) are frustrated by low water levels - so much so that I will be selling my boat. Rather than assessing blame to single causes, perhaps we should look at this from a larger view.
Boating, fishing, aquatic wildlife habitat - none thrive when a watershed is filling with silt. The water warms, fish are unable to reproduce in muck, troublesome aquatic vegetation thrives- it is a recipe for a fishery disaster. The same applies to boating - as the river fills in, boating opportunities are reduced. Eventually we reach were many of us are now - too little water for our boats. My prop drags in mud and muck long before I reach open water. The river is filling in and angling and boating are being impacted.
While I referred to the Wapsipinicon River, what we are seeing applies to many rivers in Iowa. And, I haven’t even mention chemical impacts. The situation is not good. We need to prioritize water quality in Iowa. We cannot just talk about it, but we actually need to do something about it. (Fund the Trust!!!)
While I and others are discouraged by the quality of our rivers, I have noticed that our wildlife is adapting to the changing landscape. I am seeing more bird diversity than I have noticed in the past. The watershed we are concerned with is hosting a variety of avian species.
Today, in addition to several prothonotary warblers, I found a scarlet tanager working the shoreline. As I was watching the tanager a female flicker flew in and cooed a soft sound. A male flicker promptly flew in, mated within a half-second, and flew away. Another couple of species easily seen were great crested flycatchers and house wrens.
Scarlet Tanager - Image 1100519
Scarlet Tanager - Image 1100752
Prothonotary Warbler - Image 1100290
Prothonotary Warbler - Image 1100355
Prothonotary Warbler - Image 1100369
Mating Northern Flickers - Image 100197
Great Crested Flycatcher - Image 1100035
House Wren at Nest Hole - Image 1100120
