2024 Christmas Bird Count Follow-up 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.”
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.
Q&A: American Robins
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.
2024 eBird Taxonomy Update
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.
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!”
Birding Ethics
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.
Iowa Audubon History
[from March 2024 newsletter]
Doug Harr, president of the Iowa Audubon Society, recently received copies of some pages from Bird Lore magazine (an early publication started in 1899 by the original Audubon Society). The pages dated from 1899 to 1917. He shared these historical notes:
Green Island Duck Waddle
Spring in the Mississippi Wetlands
By Bob Walton
[from March 2024 newsletter]
Dubuque Audubon’s annual Duck Waddle at the Green Island Marsh will be on March 9, 2024… Audubon’s first Duck Waddle was on March 17, 1979… The biggest thrill was seeing… every trip to Green Island is unique and special, but one of the most memorable was…