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

8/23/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

8/23/2026Lakeshore Trail--Lincoln Access to Jester Park5 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

8/23/2026Big Creek SP1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Cherry Glen Recreation Area2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

8/23/2026Renee's House Tree2 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

8/22/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

18/23/2026

Wood Duck

28/23/2026

Mourning Dove

68/23/2026

Killdeer

38/23/2026

American Bittern

18/23/2026

Green Heron

18/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

28/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

28/23/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

18/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

18/23/2026

Northern Flicker

18/23/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

58/23/2026

Eastern Phoebe

18/23/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

18/23/2026

Eastern Kingbird

188/23/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

18/23/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

28/23/2026

Blue Jay

18/23/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

18/23/2026

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.