Greenbelt Lake

Iowa · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Greenbelt Lake is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Canvasback 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

Canada Goose Mallard Canvasback Redhead Ring-necked Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/13/2026Prairie Ridge Marsh (restricted access)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/9/2026Private pond: 183rd St, Jesup US-IA (42.5203,-92.0611)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

606/18/2026

Mallard

26/18/2026

Killdeer

26/18/2026

Osprey

26/18/2026

Bald Eagle

16/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/18/2026

Northern Flicker

16/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/18/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/18/2026

Tree Swallow

26/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/18/2026

Barn Swallow

26/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

56/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/18/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Iowa

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Missouri River refuge with spectacular fall Snow Goose migration and year-round birding.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Iowa with 274 recorded species.

Amana - Lily Pond

Lake birding hotspot in Iowa with 210 recorded species.

Iowa Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Iowa →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Greenbelt Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit Greenbelt Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Greenbelt Lake?▼

Notable species at Greenbelt Lake include Canada Goose, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Greenbelt Lake?▼

Birding at Greenbelt Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Greenbelt Lake?▼

Greenbelt Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.