The Outdoor Journal

Spring snow storms are not unusual around here. But, we’ve never really had Spring, yet; winter has never left. And the snow storms just keep coming. Unfortunately, many Spring birds are arriving, unequipped to deal with the lingering winter weather. As a result,k there have been a lot reports of dead robins, thrushes, coots, etc. … [Read More]

Watch as the Decorah eaglets hatch out! The first tiny eaglet has already hatched and the second one is on his/her way. The third egg should hatch shortly. Over the next few months, the parents will feed the little ones, and protect them as they grow. And we can watch it all on the wonderful … [Read More]

Believe it or not, Chorus Frogs begin singing in March as soon as the snow begins to melt! They can usually be heard in fields where there are wet areas of snowmelt. They are tiny little frogs (less than 2″ long), but produce a mighty loud song that sounds like someone running their fingers along … [Read More]

Goldfinches Are Changing Colors! Look closely at those little brown birds at your feeders. Do some of them have little patches of yellow? Then, those are actually male goldfinches once again regaining their bright yellow summer colors! In the fall, the males lose their yellow color and throughout the winter look pretty much like a … [Read More]

Winter Birds Here! Just as some birds have headed south, others have arrived from the north! These birds head to Iowa to take advantage of our "warm" winters and include juncos, red-breasted nuthatches, tree sparrows, pine siskins, redpolls, and even snowy owls. Juncos are quite common throughout the winter, but populations of the others vary … [Read More]