Merlins Nesting in Dubuque!

July 28, 2024

Local Sightings

On Sunday, July 28th, Dubuque Audubon members were able to confirm Merlin nesting in Dubuque for the first time in over a century. Merlin, an American Kestrel-sized falcon, are regular but uncommon residents of Iowa from late fall to March, before they make their way north to upper Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada to breed.

Prior to the discovery of a nest in Iowa City in 2016, the last documented nest in Iowa was in 1908. A second nest was discovered in 2020 in Waterloo, and the Dubuque nest represents the third this century. Merlin prefer open areas like parks, where they can hunt for small birds and dragonflies.

The city of Dubuque is fortunate to now have 3 falcon species nesting within city limits, with Merlin joining American Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon!

Photo © Marty Corfman
7/28/24

Dec 30, 2024

Articles, Local Sightings

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.

Oct 12, 2024

Articles, Local Sightings

Magic – Chimney Swifts

By Marty Corfman
[from fall 2024 newsletter]

My husband and I were driving past Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque at dusk, and I heard and saw many swifts hunting insects in the sky. I said, “Pull over, honey! This is gonna be cool!”

Sep 22, 2024

Events, Local Sightings

Fall Raptor Watch

Thanks to everyone who came out to the raptor watch at the Mines of Spain! We counted 53 Broad-winged Hawks. When they seemed to drop down on us from above, we speculated that there may have been many more that we couldn't see due to the cloud coverage.