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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

8/22/20262607 Anna Elizabeth Lane, Muscatine, Iowa, US (41.455, -91.064)1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

8/22/20262607 Anna Elizabeth Lane, Muscatine, Iowa, US (41.455, -91.064)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

8/16/20261300–1398 Kelly Ave, Atalissa US-IA 41.54231, -91.174251 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

98/23/2026

Blue-winged Teal

18/23/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

18/23/2026

Mourning Dove

228/23/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

58/23/2026

Killdeer

118/23/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

18/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

28/23/2026

Great Egret

38/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

128/23/2026

American White Pelican

4328/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

168/23/2026

Cooper's Hawk

18/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

18/23/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/23/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

48/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

58/23/2026

Northern Flicker

18/23/2026

American Kestrel

28/23/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

48/23/2026

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.