Statewide Iowa — This is prime time for Iowa bird watchers as spring migration season is bringing all sorts of unusual feathered travelers to our backyards, well beyond the everyday robins, sparrows and blue jays.
Avian ecologist Steve Kolbe is working to raise awareness about migratory birds as they help provide pest control, pollination and serve as a food source for other wildlife. Kolbe says migrating birds face multiple perils on their journey each year, putting the ecosystem in danger.
Kolbe says Iowans who own a certain type of pet can play a key role in helping these birds on their annual flights.
Kolbe also suggests helping migrating birds by putting out resources like food and water, and reporting birds that you see and their condition. He says websites like eBird.org can help document changes in patterns and behaviors throughout time. Iowans can see nearly 400 types of birds throughout the year.
