Q&A: Birdfeeders & Avian Influenza

January 10, 2025

News

Question: Should I be taking down my birdfeeders to avoid spreading avian influenza?

Answer: No. At this point, waterfowl are the concern. Since early December, Iowa has seen a sharp jump in affected waterfowl, mostly north of Interstate 80.

The public is encouraged to stay away from sick birds, especially waterfowl. Some sick birds twist their heads and necks or swim in tight circles, while others are still and don’t fly away as expected when approached.

Read about the resurgence of avian influenza in wild birds in a 12/16/24 news release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/5271/

Jul 15, 2025

News

Motus Wildlife Tracking Network – 2024 Annual Report & Wood Thrush Tagging

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.

Jan 31, 2025

Christmas Bird Count, News

2024 Science Friday Christmas Bird Count 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."

Aug 4, 2024

News

Motus Wildlife Tracking Network 2023 Annual Report Published

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a collaborative global network of automated radio telemetry receivers for tracking small migratory wildlife (birds, bats, and insects) that have been tagged. In 2023, 151 birds were tracked in Iowa, from 21 species, all of which were tagged outside of Iowa!