Coastal birding habitat

Green Island Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Green Island Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose 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

4/20/2026Wapello Land & Water Reserve1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/20/2026Green Island WMA1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/20/2026Green Island WMA4 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/17/2026Army Depot Rd. Marsh3 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/16/2026Green Island WMA3 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/16/2026Green Island WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/20/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/20/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/20/2026

Gadwall

44/20/2026

Mallard

44/20/2026

Green-winged Teal

454/20/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/20/2026

Mourning Dove

24/20/2026

American Golden-Plover

64/20/2026

Killdeer

54/20/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

74/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

64/20/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

14/20/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

174/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

164/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

74/20/2026

Great Egret

14/20/2026

American White Pelican

114/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/20/2026

Bald Eagle

54/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Green Island Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Green Island Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Green Island Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Green Island Wildlife Management Area include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Gadwall. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Green Island Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Green Island Wildlife Management Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Green Island Wildlife Management Area?
Green Island Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.