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

Spotted x Eastern Towhee (hybrid)

Pipilo maculatus x erythrophthalmus

4/21/2026House Lower Deck1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/21/2026Crystal Cove Park1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/21/2026Crystal Cove Park1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/19/2026Dairy ponds at 280th St. and Eastland Ave. (private property)1 observed

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)

Spatula discors x cyanoptera

4/18/2026Dairy ponds at 280th St. and Eastland Ave. (private property)1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/15/2026Luton1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

4/14/2026Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

184/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

American Crow

24/14/2026

European Starling

14/14/2026

American Robin

54/14/2026

House Sparrow

14/14/2026

House Finch

24/14/2026

American Goldfinch

14/14/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

204/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

Barred Owl

14/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

24/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/13/2026

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.