Second Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas

Approximately 20 years ago the Iowa Ornithologists' Union and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources completed the first Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas.  This 6 year study was summarized in The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas by Laura Spess Jackson, Carol A. Thompson, and James J. Dinsmore, 1996, University of Iowa Press.  In this study we found 199 possible breeding birds in the state and actually confirmed breeding for 158 species.

We know that numerous changes have occurred to Iowa's landscape in the 17 years since the first atlas project was completed, so we are doing it all over again.  We are presently in the fourth year of the second Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas.  The study has marked off 791 3x3 mile blocks.  Birders, ornithologists and naturalists are spreading out now all across the state to look in these blocks and determine what birds are nesting. If you go to the Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas Web Site, you will see a variety evidence categories for birds that are suspected of breeding all the way to breeding confirmation. Trying to separate lingering migrants, who are not nesting, from actual breeders is not always the easiest, unless one observes a nest or parents carrying food or fecal sacs.

How You Can Help: Everyone can help.  There are 13 blocks in Johnson Co. and 15 in Linn, and similar numbers in the surrounding counties.  [You can find the BBA blocks near you at BBA Maps, and look for County Maps.  Detailed Block Maps can be found starting at the same page and clicking on Block Maps.] If you happen to be in a BBA Block and see evidence of nesting, contact me and I will put you in touch with the BBA Coordinator, who will put you in touch with someone local to talk to you.  We are especially interested in less common species and confirmed categories.  Species for which there are no breeding records: Common Loon, Whooping Crane, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Alder Flycatcher, Say's Phoebe, Rock Wren, Golden-winged Warbler, and Canada Warbler would be especially exciting, although less likely in our part of the state.[gallery columns="2"]

Local Atlas Trips: Additionally, for 4 weekends in June and July the Iowa City Bird Club will be visiting Atlas Block in Johnson County and looking for evidence of breeding birds.  All are invited, but be prepared for insects, ticks and off-trail walking.

• June 4, Saturday, 6:30 a.m. Breeding Bird Atlas Trip.
• June 11, Saturday, 6:30 a.m. Breeding Bird Atlas Trip.
• June 25, Saturday, 6:30 a.m. Breeding Bird Atlas Trip.
• July 3, Sunday, 6:30 a.m. Breeding Bird Atlas Trip.

More details on these trips see the

ICBC web page.