Lake birding habitat

Cedar Lake

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cedar Lake is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/19/2026Flooded ag field outside Palo1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/19/20265853 26th Street Southwest, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, US (41.922, -91.706)1 observed

Gray Partridge

Perdix perdix

6/16/2026Deal Rd. sod farm (private property)2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/15/2026Cedar River Crossing--North Access1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/12/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

6/12/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/12/2026Chain-O-Lakes WMA1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/11/2026Amana--Lily Pond4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

66/19/2026

Mourning Dove

66/19/2026

Chimney Swift

86/19/2026

Killdeer

66/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

1506/19/2026

Northern House Wren

16/19/2026

European Starling

3506/19/2026

Gray Catbird

26/19/2026

American Robin

206/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/19/2026

House Sparrow

406/19/2026

House Finch

156/19/2026

American Goldfinch

56/19/2026

Song Sparrow

46/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

206/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/19/2026

Common Grackle

506/19/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

46/19/2026

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 Cedar Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Cedar Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cedar Lake?
Notable species at Cedar Lake include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cedar Lake?
Birding at Cedar Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.