Wetland birding habitat

Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

8/22/20263927 Hull Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, US (41.622, -93.538)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

8/22/2026Raccoon River Park15 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

8/21/2026Ashworth and Greenwood Parks1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

8/21/2026Ashworth and Greenwood Parks1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

8/21/2026Red Rock WMA - Browns Lake Area1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

8/20/2026Red Rock WMA - Browns Lake Area1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

8/20/2026Red Rock WMA - Browns Lake Area1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

8/16/2026Bank Swallow Bend Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

28/22/2026

Mourning Dove

38/22/2026

Green Heron

18/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

28/22/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

18/22/2026

Northern Flicker

18/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

18/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

18/22/2026

Blue Jay

128/22/2026

Tree Swallow

38/22/2026

Gray Catbird

58/22/2026

American Goldfinch

88/22/2026

Baltimore Oriole

18/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

38/22/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

18/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

18/22/2026

European Starling

28/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

18/19/2026

Common Grackle

18/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area?
Banner Flats Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.