Wetland birding habitat

Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Greater White-fronted Goose 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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/19/2026Corriell Nature Preserve, Bur Oak Land Trust (restricted access)2 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/19/2026Cone Marsh WMA1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/14/2026Big Sand Mound Preserve--Muscatine Co. (restricted access)1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/14/2026Big Sand Mound Preserve--Muscatine Co. (restricted access)1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/13/2026Red Cedar WMA5 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/11/2026Longspur spot.60 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

304/19/2026

Blue-winged Teal

124/19/2026

Northern Shoveler

64/19/2026

Gadwall

84/19/2026

Mallard

14/19/2026

Hooded Merganser

44/19/2026

Mourning Dove

44/19/2026

Sora

14/19/2026

Sandhill Crane

44/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

1504/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/19/2026

Great Egret

34/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/19/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/19/2026

Tree Swallow

404/19/2026

Barn Swallow

34/19/2026

European Starling

34/19/2026

American Robin

54/19/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

44/19/2026

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 Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area?
Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.