| The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas represents the first comprehensive statewide survey of Iowa's breeding birds. Every county in the state was sampled to determine the composition of its bird community. These data were collected by hundreds of people who donated thousands of hours to locate birds. Without their support, this project would not have been possible. |
| The atlas was guided by an Atlas Steering Committee. The following members were instrumental in the completion of the book: Laura Jackson, formerly a Wildlife Diversity Biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), wrote the hawk and owl accounts, cochaired the Atlas Steering Committee, analyzed statewide data, was senior author of the introductory sections, and proofed and compiled the book. Carol Thompson, Geological Survey Bureau IDNR, wrote the sparrow, blackbird, and finch accounts, cochaired the Atlas Steering Committee, served as a regional coordinator, provided statewide data, helped procure photographs, and coauthored the introduction. James Dinsmore, Iowa State University, wrote the accounts for the grebes, bitterns, rails, shorebirds, and terns. He provided valuable comments to all the authors, recommended potential sources of literature, compiled the references cited, and helped guide the book to its completion. Bruce Ehresman, Wildlife Diversity Program IDNR, coded all of the information to be computerized and wrote accounts for waterfowl, herons, and gallinaceous species. John Fleckenstein, formerly with IDNR's Parks, Recreation and Preserves Division, wrote the woodpecker and flycatcher accounts and coordinated the collection of photographs used in this book. Robert Cecil, Iowa Ornithologists' Union (IOU) member, wrote the vireo and warbler accounts. Lisa Hemesath, Wildlife Diversity Program IDNR, joined the committee in 1992 and wrote accounts for swallows, wrens, and other species. Stephen Dinsmore, IOU member, joined the committee in 1995 to write accounts for Paridae, nuthatches, wrens, and thrushes. Pat Schlarbaum, Wildlife Diversity Program IDNR, and Barbara Wilson, IOU, served on the committee and helped gather literature citations which were used by several authors. James Sandrock, professor emeritus at the University of Iowa, edited the text. Many other people assisted the steering committee; their efforts are recognized in the Acknowledgments. |
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