Urban Park birding habitat

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ada Hayden Heritage Park is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/20/2026Lehman Organic Farm (private property)8 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/19/2026Ada Hayden Heritage Park (general location)1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/18/202621032-20582 720th Avenue, Colo, Iowa, US (42.053, -93.271)

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

4/18/2026Ledges SP (general location)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/18/2026320th St./X Ave. wetland1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/16/2026Prairie Valley Preserve1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/16/2026Iowa State University (general location)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/16/2026Ledges SP (general location)4 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/16/2026Prairie Valley Preserve1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/16/2026Ada Hayden Heritage Park (general location)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

154/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

34/21/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

24/21/2026

Mourning Dove

34/21/2026

Killdeer

24/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

44/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/21/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Blue Jay

24/21/2026

American Crow

14/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

44/21/2026

Tree Swallow

54/21/2026

Purple Martin

104/21/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

34/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/21/2026

Northern House Wren

44/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ada Hayden Heritage Park for birding?
The best months to visit Ada Hayden Heritage Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ada Hayden Heritage Park?
Notable species at Ada Hayden Heritage Park include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ada Hayden Heritage Park?
Birding at Ada Hayden Heritage Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Ada Hayden Heritage Park?
Ada Hayden Heritage Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.