BIRDS
Area Birding
Dubuque county and the tri-state area provide a multitude of habitats for birders to explore.
- Mature hardwood forests that can be found in places like Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and White Pine Hollow State Forest (New Vienna, IA) host Pileated Woodpecker, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Veery, Scarlet Tanager, and 11 species of breeding warblers.
- Wetland areas such as Deere Dike Park and Mud Lake County Park offer access to the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Area, where Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, and waterfowl are easily found.
- Prairies and grasslands can be found at a number of locations including Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area (Worthington, IA) and Whitewater Canyon (Bernard, IA). Here you may find Sedge Wren, Yellow-Breasted Chat, and Northern Harrier.
- A leisurely country drive on gravel roads south of the Dubuque Regional Airport or in western Dubuque county can provide opportunities to view open country species such as Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting.
- In summer 2023, we were happy to discover Bobolink, Dickcissel, and other grassland birds nesting in the Technology Park development area.
We have created a map to show the locations mentioned above, along with more favorites in the tri-state area. The map is most useful on a large screen.
Whatever your target species may be, Dubuque and the tri-state area have place to find it!
For information on birding locations, look at hotspots in eBird, and find additional supporting details on those same hotspots at birdinghotspots.org.
birdinghotspots.org
Hotspot Details
You can help build this hotspot repository by submitting suggested edits! The idea is to provide details on eBird hotspots, including descriptions, location photos, tips on parking, restroom availability, whether there is roadside viewing, etc.
Bird Posts
Supporting Birds
By Bob Walton
[from fall 2024 newsletter]
All sports have rules to follow, and birding should be no different. It is important that the welfare of all our birds be respected, resulting in little or no disturbance to the birds. The American Birding Association (ABA) has developed a Code of Birding Ethics that promotes respectful, enjoyable, and thoughtful birding.
[from fall 2024 newsletter]
All sports have rules to follow, and birding should be no different. It is important that the welfare of all our birds be respected, resulting in little or no disturbance to the birds. The American Birding Association (ABA) has developed a Code of Birding Ethics that promotes respectful, enjoyable, and thoughtful birding.