Birds

At least 113 bird species have been observed at CERA, including migrants and year-round residents. To lend perspective, Jackson et al. (1996) reported for Jasper County that 95 species were observed, 48 species were confirmed, and on average, 69 species were observed per year during Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas surveys, 1985-1990. They documented a total of 199 species present in Iowa during the survey period.

Jackson, Laura Spess, Carol A. Thompson, and James J. Dinsmore. 1996. The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City.

Species Lists

• See attached list of cera birds below
• Iowa Threatened and Endangered Species

Field Identification Guide

• USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter
  This website provides photographs, songs, videos, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds.

Observational Dataset for CERA

Years: 2000-present
Data per observation: Date, location, species, method of identification, number of individuals (sex when identifiable), other notes, observer(s)
Availability: Excel file from the CERA Manager
Archived datasets: McGranahan, Devan (2003)

Nest Box Monitoring

Ten bluebird nest boxes were installed at CERA in May 2001. The boxes are monitored periodically from April-September.

Years: 2001-present
Data per observation: UTM coordinates per box, status of box on observation date, including primary nest materials, nest lining, size/color/number of eggs, young, presence of adult, species, presence and type of parasites, and observer(s)
Availability: Excel file from the CERA Manager
Archived datasets: None

Student Research

• Stein, Freya. 2003. Iowa coyotes (Canis latrans) and the mesopredator-hypothesis: Is it a dog-eat-dog world? MAP, Vince Eckhart. [Investigated correlations between coyote, red fox, and raccoon populations and songbird populations; collected coyote scat at CERA to identify prey species]
• McGranahan, Devan. 2003.

Iowa Important Bird Areas (IBA) Audobon Program

http://www.iowabirds.org/places/IBA.asp
This program, which began as an initiative in Europe, is a nation-wide effort that provides opportunities for citizen involvement in identifying and protecting the most critical areas for bird conservation in Iowa. Visit the website for an overview of the program, how you can participate, and to learn about areas already designated as IBAs.

Areas near CERA include:

• Neal Smith NWR (Jasper County)
• Prairie Creek Wildlife Refuge (Marshall County)
• Otter Creek Marsh (Tama County)
• Fox Forest/Diamond Lake (Poweshiek County)
• Cedar Bluffs State Preserve (Mahaska County)

North American Bird Datasets

• North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). This comprehensive source of information on North American birds provides access to a long-term dataset, analysis tools, and learning tools including:
  • Survey results
    • Species group summaries - population change by region and time period.
    • Trend estimates - display trends for 3 time intervals by species or region.
    • Distribution maps - relative abundance estimated over 1982-1996.
    • Trend maps - population change based on 1966-1996 interval.
  • Interactive checklists
    • Provides estimates of mean abundance from BBS data for any species, at any location in the survey area.
  • Analytical tools
    • Route level annalyses - access to all information, for any species, on any BBS route.
    • Regional trend analysis - estimating population changes for any species and time interval (1966-2002), in any region.
    • Community dynamics analysis - estimating species richness from BBS data using capture-recapture based estimation procedures.
  • Learning Tools
    • Bird information - pictures, songs, and identification tips.
    • Patuxent bird quiz - test your skills in identifying North American bird songs, pictures, and breeding and wintering distributions.
    • Migratory bird research - USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
• Insitute for Bird Populations (IBP). This website allows you to query information on adult populations and productivity, survivorship, habitat information, and breeding status for species in each designated region. Iowa is located in the "North-Central" region.