Lake birding habitat

Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, and Brown-headed Cowbird 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

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/19/2026Arbor Lodge SHP1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/19/2026Riverton WMA1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/18/2026Wilson Creek WMA2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/18/2026Lewis and Clark Center1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/18/2026Lewis and Clark Center1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026North Table Creek Trail1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/17/2026Nuckolls Square Park1 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/15/2026Kimmel Orchard1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/14/2026MUD1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

114/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/19/2026

Mourning Dove

14/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

84/19/2026

Bald Eagle

14/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

24/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/19/2026

Blue Jay

64/19/2026

Tree Swallow

124/19/2026

Purple Martin

94/19/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/19/2026

Barn Swallow

64/19/2026

European Starling

24/19/2026

American Robin

264/19/2026

House Sparrow

34/19/2026

House Finch

184/19/2026

American Goldfinch

24/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

154/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

124/19/2026

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 Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area include European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Forney Lake Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.