Birding Options abound on Western Skies

We are approaching the peak of spring bird migration. National Audubon Day is April 26 and May 9 is Global Big Day. Right now is an excellent time to head outdoors to look, listen, and learn.

Western Skies Scenic Byway is book-ended by two Bird Conservation Areas (BCAs), which aim to protect bird habitat. The Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area "contains 94,048 acres in Monona and Harrison counties, of which nearly 19,000 acres are protected by conservation easements or publicly owned. Bird diversity here is exceptional, with 249 species identified, including 80 Iowa Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Currently, 111 species are known to nest in this BCA’s prairies, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands." Download a brochure.

The Raccoon River Savanna BCA in Guthrie and Carroll counties, "was the tenth to be created in the state of Iowa. Totaling 54,361 acres, this large land tract encompasses three core areas in which conservation measures can be targeted: Whiterock Conservancy, Springbrook State Park, and Elk Grove Wildlife Area. This the first Iowa BCA to focus on savanna, often likened to a transition zone between prairie and forest that is crucial for many of Iowa’s birds. As many as one-third of the state’s 200 breeding birds can be found nesting in this increasingly rare habitat." Download a brochure. 

Desoto National Wildlife Refuge is the only national refuge along the byway corridor. Each spring and fall, hundreds of thousands of waterfowl migrate through. Bald eagles and many other birds are also frequently seen. Lakes like Prairie Rose, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands are all grate places to view birds. 

Waterfowl at Desoto in winter.

Coots at Prairie Rose.

The county and city of Audubon, in the middle of the Byway, are named after famous birder John James Audubon. In downtown Audubon, you will find a statue of Audubon at the city park, a stained glass image of Audubon, and more than 200 tiled bird mosaics inset into the sidewalks. Inside the Audubon Post Office is a mural of John James Audubon and his party during their journey down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

Wild Turkey tile mosaic on the birdwalk in downtown Audubon.

John James Audubon stained glass in downtown Audubon.

John James Audubon statues & garden in downtown Audubon.

As you drive across Audubon County on Highway 44, pay attention to the roads you pass. They're named after birds, alphabetically from west to east (Bluebird, Crane, Dove, Eagle...to Pheasant, Quail, Robin, Swift.  

Additionally, the Iowa Ornithologists' Union includes several birding hotspots along Western Skies. 

Iowa Birding Hotspots

Numerous other parks, wildlife areas, and trails exist along the byway and offer ample birding and wildlife-watching opportunities. Head out to any of these areas. Stop, watch, and listen. You'll be surprised at how many birds you'll see and hear!

Other birding resources & links:

• Loess Hills Birding Guide from Loess Hills Alliance
• Iowa Ornithologists' Union -The Iowa Ornithologists' Union was founded in 1923, bringing together a group of people interested in the study and enjoyment of wild birds. 
• Iowa Birding Facebook Group - The purpose of this group is to provide a forum in which Iowa's birders (and those with an interest in Iowa birding) can share information and express their general interest in birds.
• Iowa Young Birders - Founded in 2011 to encourage young Iowans ages 8-18 to study and enjoy birds and birding...all around Iowa.
• Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas - Sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this project documents nesting distribution of Iowa’s breeding birds throughout Iowa.
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of the natural world, the Cornell Lab joins with people from all walks of life to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and galvanize conservation action.
• Ebird - goal is to gather this information in the form of checklists of birds, archive it, and freely share it to power new data-driven approaches to science, conservation and education.
• National Audubon Society - Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
• Audubon Society of Omaha - dedicated to the active promotion of environmental awareness to our community through education, conservation and enjoyment of our natural heritage, especially birds. 
• Sibley Bird Guides - Many birders consider these books to be the best.