When do songbirds leave here in Iowa?

I work outside alot, and have noticed that the songbirds are gone. It is so quiet in fact for almost a month now. So wondering when they migrate? IF it is earlier than usual? I asked extension service and they said they are still here but are not singing because there is no mating going on? What do you think? I live in northern part of central Iowa. Any help will be helpful. Thanks Greenthumb Becky

Hi Becky, I would think they were there except for ones that migrate to S.America.

Which birds do you have in mind?

It's interesting. I just saw some wrens yesterday and I know I have not heard there calls forever. I assumed they were gone. I tried do do some research on an article for the fall migration, but I couldn't find too much info. Seems it's all geared towards spring migration.

I would have to take my cue from places that offer bird watching field trips and they are mostly late August through October in this area.

How about contacting your local Audubon Chapter?

I'll see if I can find it for you.

Looks like theres only one in DeMoines;here's the contact.

Chapter 109 Chair: Gregg Richwine

1801 Grand Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50589

(515) 249-5508

gregg.richwine@whotv.com

Most of the summer visitors (warblers, etc.) will have gone now, but winter visitors (e.g. juncos) will be arriving, and resident species - well, they're resident all year ;-)

Generally, songbirds are quietest in July-August when they're moulting; now they've finished the moult they start getting more obvious again, more calling, but not singing of course.

Resin

I guess I don't know what birds I had in mind. Just know that it is really quiet when I am working outside. Always have a wren or two around nesting in fact I have had them in the greenhouse nesting so that was a fun spring. Thanks for all the information. I will email Des Moines and see if they can help. Interesting not much on fall migration.

I need to find out about a bird that one of the members talked about at garden club. One I had never heard of , so I will post that soon. Thanks again for all the help. Becky

My wrens stop doing that fun call sometime in August. In the weeks after that I only heard them do the scolding call.

Hi Becky, Heres a listserv for your state. If you want to join it you will get e mails about the birds rare and otherwise that are sighted.

http://www.iowabirds.org/IOU/IA-BIRD.asp