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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/2026Boone Backyard6 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/2026East River Valley Park 2 observed

Clark's Nutcracker

Nucifraga columbiana

8/23/2026Furman Aquatic Center green space1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

8/23/20261905 Ridgewood Ave, Ames US-IA 42.03874, -93.632131 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

8/23/2026Ada Hayden Park1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

8/23/2026Ada Hayden Heritage Park (general location)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

228/24/2026

Mallard

88/24/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

18/24/2026

Mourning Dove

68/24/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

58/24/2026

Killdeer

18/24/2026

Green Heron

68/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

68/24/2026

Cooper's Hawk

18/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

18/24/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

28/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

18/24/2026

Downy Woodpecker

28/24/2026

Northern Flicker

18/24/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

18/24/2026

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

18/24/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

18/24/2026

Eastern Kingbird

18/24/2026

American Crow

18/24/2026

Purple Martin

248/24/2026

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.