Wetland birding habitat

Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/14/2026Squirrel Hollow Wildlife Area1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/6/2026BBS Stop #11, A Avenue, Glidden, IA (42.008, -94.629)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

26/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

56/13/2026

Tree Swallow

16/13/2026

Cliff Swallow

36/13/2026

Song Sparrow

16/13/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

16/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/13/2026

Dickcissel

46/13/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/6/2026

Mourning Dove

46/6/2026

American Robin

16/6/2026

Vesper Sparrow

26/6/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

26/6/2026

Upland Sandpiper

16/6/2026

Common Grackle

16/6/2026

Western Meadowlark

16/6/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/6/2026

Barn Swallow

36/6/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/6/2026

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 Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area?
Dunbar Slough Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.