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 Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/20/2026202 Colorado St, back yard. Glidden US-IA 42.05687, -94.725311 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/20/2026507 S Cedar St, Jefferson US-IA (42.0103,-94.3692)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/11/2026Springbrook State Park, Guthrie Center US-IA 41.77319, -94.467261 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/10/2026Dunbar Slough WMA--250th St.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Virginia Rail

24/20/2026

Sora

34/20/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/20/2026

Horned Grebe

14/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

64/20/2026

Marsh Wren

24/20/2026

Song Sparrow

14/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

24/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

44/20/2026

Canada Goose

54/20/2026

Trumpeter Swan

74/20/2026

American Coot

204/20/2026

American Golden-Plover

104/20/2026

Killdeer

54/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

44/20/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

34/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

34/20/2026

Dunlin

34/20/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

34/20/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

74/20/2026

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.