Wetland birding habitat

Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/7/2026Kiowa Marsh--Main Marsh2 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/7/2026Kiowa Marsh--Main Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

16/5/2026

Mourning Dove

26/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/5/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/5/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/5/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/5/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/5/2026

Blue Jay

26/5/2026

Tree Swallow

26/5/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/5/2026

Northern House Wren

36/5/2026

European Starling

16/5/2026

Gray Catbird

36/5/2026

American Robin

36/5/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/5/2026

Song Sparrow

16/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/5/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

26/5/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/5/2026

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 Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex for birding?
The best months to visit Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex?
Notable species at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex?
Birding at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex?
Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.