By Tony Moline
[from summer 2026 newsletter]

On Saturday, May 9, Dubuque Audubon conducted its annual spring species count. The count covered various areas in Dubuque and Jackson counties. A peer-lead group covered a large portion of mines of Spain state recreation area. 

In total, 145 species were recorded for the day.  Although overall numbers of birds were down, the number of individual species was in line with typical years.  Thank you to all who participated.

Spring Potluck Visitor

By Marty Corfman

We concluded the spring count with a potluck at Swiss Valley Park. About 15 of us convened for great food, great company, and a pretty decent species count! We added one more upon arrival at the shelter for the potluck—this adorable Barred Owlet! It sat in this tree for nearly the entire gathering, allowing all of us to get good looks (and pics!) before it glided off across the creek. Its presence felt like a gift.