PROJECTS
Recently Completed Projects
Bird Survey at Whitewater Canyon
In 2022, Dubuque Audubon started a 3-year study at Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Management Area, focusing on grassland bird populations.
6 sites in the grassland areas are surveyed from mid-May through late June. Each site is monitored for approximately 10 minutes with special emphasis on identifying nesting grassland species of birds. Special attention is given to locating Henslow’s Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolinks, and Sedge Wrens.
Ongoing Projects
© Marty Corfman
Bluebird Monitoring at Mines of Spain
In 2021, Ken Kiss took over the responsibility of monitoring bluebird houses at the Mines of Spain. He added some houses in 2022, using funds from Dubuque Audubon. He now maintains 25 houses and has experimented with adding cages to see if that helps keep predators out. In 2023, Lynn Schroeder volunteered to help with the monitoring, and in 2024, Tom Davis joined the team.
Helping Eastern Bluebirds is the goal, but Tree Swallows and House Wrens are two other cavity nesters that use the houses. In 2021, Ken counted some Black-capped Chickadees. He does not track the House Wrens.
Results are below. In 2024, the number of houses grew to 25!
Grassland Bird Signs at Technology Park
With permission from the city of Dubuque, we created and installed educational signage at Technology Park in Dubuque for the purpose of the community’s enjoyment and information regarding the migrating grassland birds that nest in those fields. The signs also attempt to encourage people to not walk or run their dogs through the tall grasses, as that would disturb these nesting birds. Species such as Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Dickcissel are among the birds that nest there regularly beginning in late April and through August.
Unless/until the area is developed, we will seasonally post signs in the area to promote awareness of these birds. City officials will ensure that the current city mowing practices will continue, so undeveloped areas will not be mown during nesting season. Furthermore, if future development does occur, either it will be done outside of nesting season, or the grass will be mown immediately ahead of nesting season such that birds will not nest there.
We would like to thank Iowa Audubon and the LaVonne and Dale Foote Memorial Fund for awarding us a grant to cover the cost of the signs.
Bird Survey at Mount St. Francis Property
In July 2023, Dubuque Audubon began grassland bird surveys at Mount St. Francis property. Owned by the Sisters of St. Francis, the property is designated an Iowa Heritage Site and is closed to the public.
Financial Contributions
Dubuque Audubon often makes donations to the organizations of our speakers.
In addition, we support local organizations including:
- donations to Swiss Valley Nature Center for bird seed
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