Iowa City Bird Club

Birdability Kick Off Outing
2025-10-19 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, 601 McCollister Blvd, Iowa City, IA, United States
Birdability Kick Off Outing, Oct 19, 9:30 – 11:00. Terry Trueblood Rec Area, Iowa City. Both stationary and slow walk offered today from patio of the lodge. Accessible parking, restrooms & loaner optics.
Potluck to follow and Spark Bird Project: presentation and workshop 1 – 2:30 at Sacred Collective, 213 N Linn St, Iowa City

Field Trip: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
2025-11-08 08:30 - 12:00
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area in Linn County. This lake northwest of Cedar Rapids can be good for loons, grebes, ducks, gulls, geese, and other birds in the fall. We’ll drive to different sites around the lake, but there will be some trail walking. Iowa City area carpool info: meet at 7:45 a.m. at Kohls in Coralville (2795 Commerce Dr., Coralville).For those not carpooling: meet leader Wendy VanDeWalle at Pleasant Creek at the main boat ramp parking area at 8:30 (turn left at the stop sign at the bottom of the hill and drive to the big parking area).

IC Bird Club Meeting
2025-11-20 18:45 - 20:30 | IC Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City, IA, United States
November 20th, Thursday, 7 p.m. In-Person and Zoom meeting at the Iowa City Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City: Iowa City Bird Club member Mark Bowman will present “The Great Crested Flycatcher and Its Many Exotic Cousins.”
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88435738209?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 884 3573 8209Passcode: [REDACTED]

Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-21 - 2025-12-22
December 21, Sunday. Iowa City Christmas Bird Count. Join us for a holiday tradition, the world’slongest-running citizen science project! There are two ways to participate: you can join a small groupwith an experienced leader assigned to a specific territory, which could contain local parks, trails, orwildlife areas; or if you live in the count circle, you can count the birds in your own yard. To sign up,contact Chris Edwards at credwards@aol.com or (319) 430-4732 as soon as possible. You can participate for part or all of the day. Groups do a varied mix of walking and driving, and some groups look for owls before dawn. We will have a mid-day compilation at a newmeeting location and time: room CD in the North Liberty Library at 1:00 p.m. The library is in thesame building as the North Liberty Community Center. Bring your own lunch.

Kent Park Bird Walk
2026-01-07 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-03-04 08:00 - 10:00 | F.W. Kent Park, Oxford, IA, United States
Kent Park Bird Walk. Join leader Chris Edwards on the first Wednesday of each month for a bird walk in Kent Park. In the winter months we’ll spend time in the bird blind and then go for a walk. In the summer months we’llswitch to butterfly walks.
Meet in the parking lot of Conservation Education Center.

Bird Feeder Watch & Social
2026-01-18 09:00 - 11:00 | 10 Ridgewood Ln, Iowa City, IA, United States
Bird Feeder Watch and Social with the Shuttleworth and Trachsel families. 10 Ridgewood Lane (Jane Shuttleworth) and 6 Ridgewood Lane (Amy and Ben Trachsel) in Iowa City. The sisters’ side-by-side properties overlook Shimek Ravine (a Bur Oak Land Trust property)which draws five species of woodpeckers and other winter birds. Drop in at both houses to chat with our hosts and fellow birders. It’s a roving party! Coffee and juice will be provided; please bring a party snack to share.
At 11 a.m. join an optional hike in Shimek Ravine, including a tour of how the neighborhood is removing invasive species. (Note the trail is steep.) Last year 15 species were spotted despite sub-zero temps. Come help us beat that record in 2026! Please park in either of the hosts’ driveways or on the cul-de-sac of Ridgewood Lane.

Field Trip: Quad Cities and Mississippi River
2026-02-08 08:00 - 15:00
Quad Cities and Mississippi River for gulls, waterfowl, and other winter birds with leader Chris Caster. We’ll stop at locks and dams, riverside parks, and other hotspots like Fairmount Cemetery for winter finches. Walking is usually short-distance from frequent stops. We’ll stop for lunch at a nearby fast-food restaurant, or feel free to bring your lunch. Return time is late afternoon. Dress for cold and wind, and bring a spotting scope if you have one.
Meet leader Chris Caster at the Highlander Hotel parking lot, 2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City. Carpooling is encouraged.

IC Bird Club Meeting
2026-02-19 18:45 - 20:30
February 19, Thursday, 7 p.m. ZOOM Only Meeting. Jim Pease will present “Tropical Biodiversity: Why Should We Care?” This talk draws on Jim’s many trips to Central and South America and carries a message of importance for those of us in the temperate zone. Now retired from Iowa State University, Jim is active speaking, writing, consulting, and leading wildlife trips to Central and South America and Africa.
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/82268705424?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 822 6870 5424Passcode: [REDACTED]

Field Trip: Cone Marsh
2026-02-28 07:30 - 12:00
Cone Marsh in Louisa County for Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and migrating waterfowl with leader Fawn Bowden. A local favorite not to be missed at this time of year! We’ll stop at several points around the marsh and take a walk on the dike, returning by noon. Dress for cold and windy weather and wet or muddy trails, and bring a scope if you have one.
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Fareway parking lot, 2765 Commerce Dr., Iowa City; or at 8:00 a.m. at Casey’s, 302 N Devoe St., Lone Tree. Carpooling is encouraged.
If the weather is bad, backup date is Sunday, March 1.

Field Trip: Burlington Area Mississippi River
2026-03-07 06:30 - 14:00
Burlington Area and Mississippi River: This is an all-day trip led by local Burlington expert birder Chuck Fuller. With spring waterfowl migration underway, the target birds include various species of ducks and geese, as well as pelicans. We’ll also look for songbirds like Winter Wren. Seventy-one species were seen on this trip in 2025! Walking is usually short-distance from frequent car stops at locks and dams, riverside parks, and other hotspots. We will stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Dress for cold and wind, and bring a scope if you have one.
To carpool, meet Karen Disbrow at 6:30 a.m. at the front parking lot of the Johnson County Fairgrounds, 3109 Old Highway 218 South, Iowa City. Alternately, you can meet us at 8 a.m. at the Port of Burlington, 400 Front Street, Burlington.

IC Bird Club Meeting
2026-03-19 18:45 - 20:30 | IC Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City, IA, United States
March 19th, Thursday, 7 p.m. In-Person and Zoom meeting at the Iowa City Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City: Elizabeth Miller of the Iowa Grotto, the Iowa Chapter of the National Speleological Society, will present “Bats in Iowa.” Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/82268705424?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 822 6870 5424Passcode: [REDACTED]

Field Trip: Wiese Slough Wildlife Area
2026-03-22 08:00 - 12:00 | 1398 Mohawk Ave, Atalissa, IA, United States
Wiese Slough Wildlife Area in Muscatine County. Target species include ducks, geese, Trumpeter Swan, and returning songbirds. We will drive to several viewing locations within the wildlife area and take short hikes to find passerines. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. We’ll finish by noon.Meet leader Linda Quinn at 8 a.m. to carpool from south side of Iowa City at the parking lot of Fareway Grocery, 2765 Commerce Dr, Iowa City. Or meet on site at 8:30 at the north boat ramp of Wiese Slough, 1398 Mohawk Ave., Atalissa.

Introduction to Birding Course: Basics of Birding I
2026-03-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City, IA, United States
Introduction to Birding Course: BASICS OF BIRDING I CLASS at the Iowa City Environmental Education Center, 2401 Scott Blvd, Iowa City. This will include field identification of birds, field guides, and equipment every birder needs. No registration required, just come!
Click below link for class schedulehttps://iowacitybirdclub.org/beginners-course/

Kent Park Bird Walk
2026-04-01 08:00 - 10:00 | F.W. Kent Park, Oxford, IA, United States
Kent Park Bird Walk. Join leader Chris Edwards on the first Wednesday of each month for a bird walk in Kent Park. In the winter months we’ll spend time in the bird blind and then go for a walk. In the summer months we’ll switch to butterfly walks.
Meet in the parking lot of Conservation Education Center.

Beginner Field Trip: TERRY TRUEBLOOD RECREATION AREA
2026-04-04 08:00 - 12:00 | Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, 601 McCollister Blvd, Iowa City, IA, United States
TERRY TRUEBLOOD RECREATION AREA: Beginning birder trip for current or past participants in the course. Visit this popular Iowa City park and nearby Sycamore
Greenway. The lake at Terry Trueblood hosts migrating ducks with a surrounding accessible trail where we’ll see a variety of returning breeding birds. A short drive away is Sycamore Greenway trail with shrub and prairie habitat that attracts grassland birds such as sparrows, Sandhill Cranes, and Brown Thrasher.
Meet outside the lodge at Terry Trueblood, 579 McCollister Blvd., Iowa City.

Introduction to Birding Course: Basics of Birding II
2026-04-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City, IA, United States
Introduction to Birding Course: BASICS OF BIRDING II CLASS at the Iowa City Environmental Education Center, 2401 Scott Blvd, Iowa City. This will include e-birding apps, and birdsong ID.
Click below link for class schedulehttps://iowacitybirdclub.org/beginners-course/

Beginner Field Trip: KENT PARK
2026-04-11 08:00 - 12:00 | F.W. Kent Park, Oxford, IA, United States
KENT PARK Beginning birder trip for current or past participants in the Introduction to Birding Course. We will explore the trails in this park looking for migrating songbirds and resident woodland birds.
Meet at the Conservation Education Center in Kent Park, 2048 Hwy. 6 NW, Oxford

Field Trip: Redbird Farms Wildlife Managementgmt
2026-04-11 08:00 - 12:00 | Redbird Farms Wildlife Management Area, 2290 Black Diamond Rd SW, Iowa City, IA, United States
Redbird Farms Wildlife Management Area, 2290 Black Diamond Rd.SW, southwest of Iowa City. Abner Miller will lead us on a walk through Redbird Farms, which offers ponds, timber, and open areas. We’ll look for ducks, turkeys, sparrows, early warblers, woodpeckers, wrens, and raptors. There are no bathrooms on site.
Meet at the parking area at 2290 Black Diamond Rd.eBird information on Redbird Farms: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1668696.

Introduction to Birding Course: Birding in Johnson County
2026-04-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City, IA, United States
Introduction to Birding Course: WHERE TO BIRD IN JOHNSON COUNTY CLASS at the Iowa City Environmental Education Center, 2401 Scott Blvd, Iowa City. Learn about well-known, lesser-known, and secret places to watch and study nature in and around Johnson County,
Click below link for class schedulehttps://iowacitybirdclub.org/beginners-course/

IC Bird Club Meeting
2026-04-16 19:00 - 20:45 | IC Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City, IA, United States
April 16th, Thursday, 7 p.m. In-Person and Zoom meeting at the Iowa City Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City: Suzanne Gucciardo will present “Bipolar Birding.” Drawing on twelve years of travel experience, Suzanne will describe the stark contrasts between north and south polar and subpolar regions. Differences in basic environmental conditions produced different wildlife communities and led to different human histories. These differences are best illustrated by a look at the birds and other wildlife found near the ends of the Earth.
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/82268705424?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 822 6870 5424Passcode: [REDACTED]

Beginner Field Trip: LAKE MACBRIDE
2026-04-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Lake Macbride State Park, 3525 State Hwy 382, Solon, IA, United States
LAKE MACBRIDE Beginning birder trip for current or past participants in the Introduction to Birding Course. Targets are water birds and other early spring migrants. We’ll stop at various points around the lake.
Meet at the North Liberty Community Center, 520 W Cherry St., on the north side of the building, and carpool from there. If you are familiar with Lake Macbride and feel comfortable, you can meet up with us at the Sailboat Shelter 1 parking lot in Lake Macbride State Park around 8:20 a.m.

Field Trip: Corriell Nature Preserve
2026-04-19 08:00 - 12:30
Corriell Nature Preserve in Muscatine County: Jason Paulios will guide us in exploring this 200-acre Bur Oak Land Trust property that includes wetlands, remnant savanna, and sand prairie. Hiking terrain will be a mix of mowed and rough trails. An April 2022 outing by the birdclub found 49 species, including Snow Goose, Osprey, Cooper’s Hawk, Bald Eagle, Broad-wingedHawk, Brown Thrasher, and Yellow Warbler.
Meet Jason at the Fareway parking lot, 2765 Commerce Dr., Iowa City. Destination is about 30 minutes from Iowa City. Directions will be provided for those driving separately. No bathrooms on site. Return time is about 12:30.

Introduction to Birding Course: Backyard & Feeder Birds
2026-04-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City, IA, United States
Introduction to Birding Course: BACKYARD AND FEEDER BIRDS CLASS at the Iowa City Environmental Education Center, 2401 Scott Blvd, Iowa City. This session will cover the common birds found in our backyards during the year, and what types of feeders and food to use to attract them.
Click below link for class schedulehttps://iowacitybirdclub.org/beginners-course/

Beginner Field Trip: HAWKEYE WILDLIFE AREA
2026-04-25 08:00 - 12:00 | Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area, Oxford, IA, United States
HAWKEYE WILDLIFE AREA Beginning birder trip for current or past participants in the Introduction to Birding Course. We expect to see ducks, geese, American White Pelicans, and other early spring migrants. Wear boots for walking in wet areas, and bring a spotting scope if you have one.
We’ll carpool from the North Liberty Community Center, 520 W Cherry St., on the north side of the building.

Hickory Hill Park Warbler Walks
2026-04-27 06:30 - 08:00, 2026-04-28 06:30 - 08:00, 2026-04-29 06:30 - 08:00 | Hickory Hill Park, 1439 E Bloomington St, Iowa City, IA, United States
April 28
April 27 – May 22, Weekdays, Mon-Fri, 6:30-8:00 a.m., Hickory Hill Park Warbler Walks. Start your weekdays watching warblers and other spring migrants in the park with our rotating crew of expert leaders.
Meet at the north parking lot at 800 Conklin Lane, off N. Dodge St.

Introduction to Birding Course: Birds of Iowa
2026-04-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City, IA, United States
Introduction to Birding Course: BIRDS OF IOWA CLASS at the Iowa City Environmental Education Center, 2401 Scott Blvd, Iowa City. Learn about Summer residents that nest here and birds that migratethrough Iowa in spring and fall.
Click below link for class schedulehttps://iowacitybirdclub.org/beginners-course/
