Grassland birding habitat

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This grassland 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

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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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/19/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/19/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/18/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area2 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/18/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/18/2026Mississippi Kite Base Tree2 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/16/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

116/17/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/17/2026

Mourning Dove

36/17/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

36/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/17/2026

American Kestrel

56/17/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/17/2026

Tree Swallow

116/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/17/2026

Northern House Wren

16/17/2026

European Starling

16/17/2026

Gray Catbird

16/17/2026

American Robin

166/17/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

156/17/2026

Common Grackle

16/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/17/2026

Indigo Bunting

26/17/2026

Dickcissel

76/17/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt for birding?
The best months to visit Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt?
Notable species at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt?
Birding at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt?
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.