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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/15/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/6/2026Big Sand Mound Preserve--Muscatine Co. (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

26/16/2026

Mallard

6/16/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

136/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/16/2026

Mourning Dove

266/16/2026

Common Gallinule

16/16/2026

American Coot

66/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/16/2026

Killdeer

76/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/16/2026

Black Tern

36/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

76/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/16/2026

Bald Eagle

16/16/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/16/2026

Northern Flicker

16/16/2026

American Kestrel

16/16/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/16/2026

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.