POSTS
News
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.
Events
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.
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.
Articles
[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.
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.
Events
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.
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.
Articles
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.
[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.
News
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."
News
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.
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.
Local Sightings
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.
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.
Christmas Bird Count
On December 28th, Dubuque Audubon members and volunteers participated in the annual Christmas Bird Count. Unseasonably, high temperatures were both a blessing and a curse, as an iceless river lead to lower than normal numbers for waterfowl.
Articles
By Mary Leigh
[from winter 2024 newsletter]
Question: Do American Robins remain in the Midwest all winter?
Answer: Yes! Although American Robins are regarded as a sign of spring in the Midwest, they are here year-round.
[from winter 2024 newsletter]
Question: Do American Robins remain in the Midwest all winter?
Answer: Yes! Although American Robins are regarded as a sign of spring in the Midwest, they are here year-round.
Articles
By Mary Leigh
[from winter 2024 newsletter]
I noticed recently that my eBird life list bird count increased by 1 when I hadn’t added any new species. The explanation was the annual taxonomy update! Every year, based on new insights by ornithologists, species are split, lumped, and renamed.
[from winter 2024 newsletter]
I noticed recently that my eBird life list bird count increased by 1 when I hadn’t added any new species. The explanation was the annual taxonomy update! Every year, based on new insights by ornithologists, species are split, lumped, and renamed.
Local Sightings
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!”
[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!”