Feeding Bread to Birds (Or Not)
By Kevin Koch
[from fall 2025 newsletter]
The next time you’re tempted to feed the birds from that bag of bread, think again! You might just be depriving your feathered friends of a broader range of nutrition they’ll need throughout the year.
While bread does contain carbohydrates, bird specialist Dr. David Shealer, Professor of Biology at Loras College in Dubuque, IA, points out that birds also need proteins and fats in their diet…
Spotlight on American Goldfinch
By Mary Leigh
[from fall 2025 newsletter]
This summer, I went on a guided bird walk at Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Sapsucker Woods, in Ithaca, NY… During the walk, our guide shared some fun facts about American Goldfinch that make them unusual.
2025 Bluebird Monitoring
By Ken Kiss
[from fall 2025 newsletter]
It was another successful season for the bluebirds nesting at the Mines of Spain. This year Tom Davis and Galen Mathis joined me in monitoring 30 bird houses on a weekly basis.
Motus Wildlife Tracking Network – 2024 Annual Report & Wood Thrush Tagging
We are happy to share another annual Motus update. The 2024 report is available, and with it, the Iowa DNR has shared details on their Wood Thrush research efforts, including a video.
“More Birding” Update
By Mary Leigh
Below are highlights from recent outings:
Big Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area
A group of 7, led by Bob Walton, went to Big Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area on Tuesday morning, 6/3/25. Trumpeter Swan including 6 young were a highlight.
Q&A: Feeding Bread
[from summer 2025 newsletter]
Question:
Is it OK to feed bread to birds?
Answer: No!
Please help us spread the word that birds should not be fed bread, popcorn, crackers, chips, cereal, and most processed foods.
2025 Spring Species Count
By Tony Moline
On Saturday, May 10th, 28 Dubuque Audubon members and guests participated in the Annual Spring Bird Count. This year’s count coincided with World Migratory Bird day and the Global Big Day.
Q&A: Gravel Roads in Wintertime
By Tony Moline
[from spring 2025 newsletter]
Question:
Why do birds flock to gravel roads in the wintertime?
Answer:
Because they have no teeth! Instead, birds have a gizzard, a muscular part of their stomach that helps them grind up food. Small rocks and sand (or grit) are ingested by birds to create “teeth” in the gizzard.
2024 Science Friday Christmas Bird Count Interview
With 2024 being the 125th anniversary of the Christmas Bird Count, Science Friday did an interview in early January titled “What Scientists Have Learned from 125 Years of Bird Counts.”
2025 Great Backyard Bird Count
This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is February 14-17. Each February, the world joins to report bird observations… no need to sign up… If you already report birds using eBird or Merlin, just keep doing what you’re doing…
Jackson County Conservation is hosting a GBBC event on Saturday, February 15, from 10-12 at the Hurstville Interpretive Center. Registration is required…
Q&A: Birdfeeders & Avian Influenza
Question: Should I be taking down my birdfeeders to avoid spreading avian influenza?
Answer: No. At this point, the increase is in waterfowl. Since early December, Iowa has seen a sharp jump in affected waterfowl, mostly north of Interstate 80.
Starling Murmuration
By Marty Corfman
Dubuque Audubon Society President
I will never stop being awed by this phenomenon, called a murmuration, when birds fly in synchronized patterns. This time of year, these formations can be seen most often toward dusk, when birds are looking for a roosting site, but they can be seen throughout the day as well.