River/Riparian birding habitat

Bacon Creek Park

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bacon Creek Park is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy Woodpecker 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

8/21/2026Brown's Lake--Bigelow Park10 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

8/16/2026Snyder Bend Park1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

8/15/2026Snyder Bend Park1 observed

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

8/14/2026Crystal Cove Park1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

8/12/2026Snyder's Bend, Thurston1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

8/12/2026Snyder Bend Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

158/11/2026

Mourning Dove

28/11/2026

Chimney Swift

38/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

18/11/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

18/11/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

28/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

48/11/2026

Blue Jay

18/11/2026

Purple Martin

28/11/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

18/11/2026

Gray Catbird

88/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

58/11/2026

American Robin

48/11/2026

House Finch

48/11/2026

American Goldfinch

28/11/2026

Field Sparrow

18/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

48/11/2026

American Redstart

18/11/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

28/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Bacon Creek Park for birding?
The best months to visit Bacon Creek Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bacon Creek Park?
Notable species at Bacon Creek Park include Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bacon Creek Park?
Birding at Bacon Creek Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Bacon Creek Park?
Bacon Creek Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.