Fall Migration Watch Invites Birders to Maskunky Marsh

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Mahaska County residents can watch the fall bird migration and learn why Maskunky Marsh is an important stop for birds traveling south.

Mahaska County Conservation will hold Birding With Ella: “Fall Migration Watch” from 8 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at Maskunky Marsh east of Oskaloosa. Ella Paulson of Mahaska County Conservation will lead the evening program.

Participants will watch for birds moving along their fall migration routes, help identify the birds they see, and learn about the long trips different species make each year.

Paulson said nighttime offers a good opportunity to observe migration because many birds travel after sunset.

“A lot of birds are going to be migrating during the night,” Paulson said. “It’s cooler. The wind isn’t as strong, so that’s generally when they’re going to be migrating.”

Weather can affect how many birds are moving on a given night. Paulson said northwest winds can help birds conserve energy as they travel south. When the wind and weather are favorable, large groups may pass through the area at the same time.

Bird watchers may see several kinds of songbirds during this part of the season.

“It’s going to be a lot of songbirds, mainly warblers,” Paulson said. “Right now, we’re going to start seeing some different sparrows as well.”

Warblers can be difficult to identify during fall because many species look similar. Unlike birds that live in Iowa year-round, some migrating warblers are only in the area for a short time as they pass through.

Hummingbirds have also started their trip south. Monarch butterflies are moving as well. Paulson explained that the monarchs now being seen around Iowa are part of the longer-lived generation that makes the fall migration. They may gather in trees overnight before continuing south.

Maskunky Marsh is well suited for the program. The 92-acre wetland is about five miles east of Oskaloosa and lies in the flight path of many migratory waterfowl. Mahaska County Conservation reports that hundreds, or even thousands, of migrating birds may use the marsh to rest and feed during spring and fall migration.

The area also has native grasses around the wetland and a bird-viewing blind near the marsh’s south end. Paulson said participants may see songbirds flying overhead and waterfowl stopping at the marsh.

Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them. Mahaska County Conservation will have a limited number available to borrow.

Advance registration is appreciated because it helps organizers estimate attendance, but it is not required.

“Signups are appreciated, but it’s not required,” Paulson said. She added that people who do not decide until Thursday may still attend.

Participants can register through the Mahaska County page at MyCountyParks.com. Information is also available by calling Mahaska County Conservation at 641-673-9327.

Recent rain has left some conservation-area trails muddy and has made mowing difficult. Paulson encouraged visitors to watch current ground conditions when visiting county parks.

Maskunky Marsh is located on Snyder Avenue near Highway 92, about five miles east of Oskaloosa. Directions are available with the event listing on MyCountyParks.com.

Fall Migration Watch Invites Birders to Maskunky Marsh

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