DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
Iowa · Midwest
Easy
October-November, April-May
Free
Dawn to dusk, visitor center 9 AM - 4:30 PM
About This Location
DeSoto NWR straddles the Iowa-Nebraska border along the Missouri River, centered on an oxbow lake that draws massive concentrations of Snow Geese during fall migration. Peak flights in November can exceed 500,000 birds, creating one of the Midwest's greatest wildlife spectacles.
The refuge also supports excellent year-round birding, with nesting Wood Ducks, Prothonotary Warblers in the bottomland forest, and Bald Eagles that have made a strong comeback along the river corridor.
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
Sedge Wren
Cistothorus stellaris
Common Yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Vireo gilvus
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularius
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Pheucticus ludovicianus
Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)
Buteo jamaicensis
Ruff
Calidris pugnax
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Turkey Vulture
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Pheasant
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Birding Tips
- 1
Visit in early November for peak Snow Goose numbers — the evening fly-in at sunset is unforgettable
- 2
The visitor center has excellent exhibits and overlooks the lake
- 3
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 4
Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Boyer Chute NWR
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
More in Iowa
Iowa Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Iowa →