For the last three years I have traveled to Dubuque each weekday, heading to my job at Townsquare Media. For each of those trips during a specific time of the year, I have been excited to watch several eagle families come to be. For those of you that travel the same stretch of road into Dubuque each day, you've probably seen the huge nest and the eagles as well.

Credit: Tom Drake The eagles and nest that can be seen right of Highway 20, heading in or out of Dubuque.
Credit: Tom Drake
The eagles and nest that can be seen right off Highway 20, heading in or out of Dubuque.
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Well, it's officially that time of the year when this breeding pair of eagles returns. Today, I was able to confirm the eagles are back and are likely preparing for a new brood of eaglets.

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Credit: Tom Drake
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Did you know that eagles exhibit something termed "breeding ground fidelity," also known as nest site fidelity, and often return to their nest sites year after year. Eagles also apparently synchronize their nesting activities with the changing seasons and the arrival of migratory prey species.

Credit: Tom Drake
Credit: Tom Drake
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Iowa’s Eagle Monitoring Program

The return of bald eagles to their nests across Iowa is more than just an incredible sight. It’s also the beginning of an important part of wildlife conservation efforts across the state. The Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring Program (VWMP) plays a crucial role in tracking these birds, nesting habits, brood capacity, and ensuring their habitats remain protected. That’s where you, as a volunteer, come into play!

Credit: Explore Birds Bats Bees YouTube Channel Screen shot of this bald eagle nest camera located near a trout hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.
Credit: Explore Birds Bats Bees YouTube Channel
Screen shot from this bald eagle nest camera located near a trout hatchery in Decorah, Iowa.
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Through the Bird Nest Monitoring Program, volunteers can help track bald eagles, in addition to other key raptor species, like ospreys and peregrine falcons. Since these birds are top predators, they serve as the perfect indicators for our environment's overall health. By monitoring nests, volunteers can provide valuable data that helps scientists assess local populations, habitat conditions, and any threats to this once-endangered species.

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How to Get Involved in Iowa

If you’ve ever been curious about wildlife conservation or just love watching eagles, becoming a nest monitor might be the perfect opportunity for you. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Training: Volunteers are required to attend a Bird Nest Monitoring workshop. Here they learn about nesting behaviors, how to collect data, and how to observe without disturbing the birds. There is a $5 fee which covers the cost of materials and shipping. There is a Zoom training session coming up on February 9th from 1 to 4 PM. Register here.
  • Observation & Reporting: Monitors are assigned to a specific bald eagle nest, which they will need to visit three or more times between February and July. They record nest activity and report details like eaglets hatched and development stages.
  • Time Commitment: The program is flexible, but requires about 5 or more hours per year. Essentially a relatively small investment for such a rewarding experience.

Iowa’s bald eagle population has made an incredible comeback over the years. Once endangered due to habitat destruction and pesticide use, our country's bird has rebounded thanks to conservation efforts and programs like the VWMP. However, ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure their continued success.

Credit: Explore Birds Bats Bees YouTube Channel
Credit: Explore Birds Bats Bees YouTube Channel
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Volunteers not only contribute to scientific research but also help raise awareness about wildlife conservation. By keeping an eye on these birds and reporting their findings, nest monitors play a direct role in protecting Iowa’s natural heritage. And if eagles or birds of prey aren't your thing, you could help by monitoring frogs, toads, or bats too.

Credit: Tom Drake
Credit: Tom Drake
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So, if you enjoy the sight of a soaring bald eagle, see one catch and eat a fish, or simply perched in its iconic glory, maybe consider taking the next step and become a volunteer monitor. It’s an incredible way to connect with nature and contribute to conservation, in Iowa, of America’s most iconic bird of prey.

Photos: Iowa's Backbone State Park

Dedicated in 1920 as Iowa’s first state park, Backbone State Park is one of the most geographically unique locations in Iowa. The steep and narrow ridge of bedrock from the Maquoketa River forms the highest point in northeast Iowa - The Devil’s Backbone - giving the park its legendary name.

Gallery Credit: Tom Drake

Photos: Palisades-Kepler State Park

Take a hike through Palisades-Kepler State Park, just outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Gallery Credit: Tom Ehlers

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