Lake birding habitat

Coralville Lake - dam area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Coralville Lake - dam area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, and House Sparrow among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

8/23/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

8/23/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

8/19/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/19/2026Iowa City City Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--James. NW1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper (solitaria)

Tringa solitaria

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

8/17/2026Cedar River Crossing--North Access1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

8/17/2026F.W. Kent Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

8/14/2026Hawkeye WMA--James. NW1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

8/13/2026Coralville Lake--Woodpecker Trail2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

8/12/2026Hawkeye WMA--headquarters area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

88/23/2026

Ring-billed Gull

58/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

1008/23/2026

Barn Swallow

18/23/2026

Cedar Waxwing

18/23/2026

American Goldfinch

28/23/2026

Northern Cardinal

18/23/2026

Mallard

68/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

28/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

68/20/2026

Bald Eagle

38/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

28/20/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

18/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

28/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

28/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

98/20/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

18/20/2026

Blue Jay

48/20/2026

American Crow

58/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Coralville Lake - dam area for birding?
The best months to visit Coralville Lake - dam area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Coralville Lake - dam area?
Notable species at Coralville Lake - dam area include Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Canada Goose. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Coralville Lake - dam area?
Birding at Coralville Lake - dam area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Coralville Lake - dam area?
Coralville Lake - dam area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.