Saw-whet and Long-eared Owls

Important Bird Area.
This impoundment extends the Lake Ahquabi landscape to the south although much of the habitat is different. It is frequented by fisherman.

In southern Warren Co. from Indianola, take U.S. 65/69 south five miles to Hwy. 349 to the west. Go west one mile on Hwy. 349 as if to Lake Ahquabi S.P. Just before entering Ahquabi, turn south to the Hooper Area which is on a dead-end road by the cell tower.

Much of the habitat here has been somewhat manipulated with a lot of scrub surrounding the lake. Of most interest to birders are the plantings of cedar and pines which can be prime spots in winter for Saw-whet and Long-eared Owls. This is a public hunting area.

Henslow's Sparrows, as well as Bobolinks, have nested the past few years at Annett although this area has been burned in 2004 so the long-term prognosis in unknown. Other high priority species which are either nesting, or have attempted nesting, in this area include Broad-winged Hawk, Hooded Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Wood Thrush, Black-billed Cuckoo, and American Woodcock. Pileated Woodpecker and Cerulean Warbler have been recorded but breeding status is unknown.

5 miles south of Indianola on Hwy 65/69. Turn right and the main entrance to Lake Ahquabi SP is about one mile. At this intersection go south one half mile to the first right turn. This dead end road takes you to the south part of the state park and the north end of the Hooper Area. Back at the main park entrance, go north to the other park entrance. Almost directly across from this entrance is a parking area for the county's Annett Nature Area and trails. A hawk watch platform is reached from the trail to the southeast. The county Nature Center is a bit further north on the paved road.

An old road/driveway accessed just east of the small parking lot at the top of the hill can be productive with sparrows and other edge species. Some of the best birding at Lake Ahquabi SP is easily accessed by a service road on the Hooper road as well.