Lake birding habitat

Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
LakeGrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This lake and grassland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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 Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

6/17/20262310 17th St, Spirit Lake US-IA 43.42299, -95.126001 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

6/16/2026Virgin Lake WMA2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/12/2026Millers Bay - West Okoboji Lake US-IA (43.3780,-95.1803)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

156/16/2026

Trumpeter Swan

16/16/2026

Wood Duck

26/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

26/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

16/16/2026

Mallard

56/16/2026

Northern Pintail

16/16/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

36/16/2026

Mourning Dove

16/16/2026

Virginia Rail

26/16/2026

American Coot

46/16/2026

Killdeer

26/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

36/16/2026

Franklin's Gull

76/16/2026

Black Tern

26/16/2026

Forster's Tern

16/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

46/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

706/16/2026

Green Heron

16/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/16/2026

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 Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake?
Notable species at Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake?
Birding at Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake?
Dewey's Pasture Wildlife Management Area - Trumbull Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.