Lake birding habitat

Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This lake and 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

Loading map...

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

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/21/20262297 150th Street, Belmond, Iowa, US (42.835, -93.717)26 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

4/21/2026Morse Lake WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

114/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/14/2026

Mallard

54/14/2026

Ring-necked Duck

44/14/2026

Rock Pigeon

4/14/2026

American Coot

14/14/2026

Killdeer

4/14/2026

Wilson's Snipe

4/14/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

64/14/2026

European Starling

4/14/2026

American Robin

4/14/2026

House Sparrow

4/14/2026

Savannah Sparrow

24/14/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

54/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

4/14/2026

Common Grackle

4/14/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.