A Bird's Eye View:
A Guide to Managing and Protecting Your Land for Neotropical Migratory Birds in the Upper Mississippi River Blufflands
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| NOTE: This article describes a free booklet designed for Iowa landowners. Others might prefer the shorter, related article. For links and ordering info for all, see the table beneath the cover photo. |
This page was updated in Sept. 2010.
This 44-page booklet describes the specific needs of neotropical migratory birds, birds that nest in the United States and Canada and then migrate thousands of miles to winter in the tropical climates of southern Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. These birds face habitat pressures on two continents, and Iowa's habitat is important to their survival.
Because the Mississippi River is one of North America's major migratory flyways, protecting bird habitat along its shores is particularly important. However, the information in this booklet can also apply to bird habitat needs elsewhere in Iowa.
Designed for landowners, conservationists, policy-makers or bird enthusiasts, this booklet explores the definition of neotropical migrants, the threats they face, why humans should care and what can be done to address those threats. It contains numerous photos, maps, illustrations and other support features.
Appendices include a glossary, list of neotropical migrants, financial and organizational resources for people protecting these birds, and a five-page list of references. It also contains an 8-page full-color section featuring a summarized version of the text and photos of Neotropical migrants grouped by common species, threatened or endangered species, upland species and floodplain species.
NOTE: This entire book is copyrighted by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and all the photographs/artwork are copyrighted by the original artist. INHF and the photographers grant rights for people to print out a copy of this booklet for personal use. All other uses must be cleared with INHF or the original photographer/artist.
Download short version (related article)
The 44-page booklet can be downloaded in PDF format in the following sections. Each of the page spreads below is linked to the download. Or simply request a free copy by mail.
Pages 1-5: Front cover, publication information, acknowledgements, table of contents, introduction
Pages 6-10: Gaining perspective: What is a Neotropical migrant? What are the threats to these birds, and why should we care?
Pages 11-17: Habitat and habitat loss: What size, shape, and quality of habitat is needed for Neotrops to survive and thrive?
Pages 18-27: What needs to be done: Managing bluffland ecosystems (forests, cliffs, riparian lands, savannas, prairies, farmsteads). Selected management issues: logging, deer, invasive/non-native plants, finding management partners, success stories
Pages 28-34: Final thoughts, glossary, selected list/description of neotropical migrant species, list of neotrops at risk
Pages 35-38: Financial resource list, Blufflands Alliance partners, land trust organizations
Pages 39-44: References, back cover
8-page color insert (sorry, not available online)
