Wetland birding habitat

Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 297 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/19/2026Amana--Lily Pond2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/19/2026Hawkeye WMA--Greencastle Ave. causeway1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/19/2026Hawkeye WMA--Amana Rd.4 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/17/2026Hawkeye WMA--Gunclub Ponds6 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/20262758–2864 James Ave NW, Tiffin US-IA 41.73028, -91.661472 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

4/15/20268800 C Ave NE, Cedar Rapids US-IA 42.06566, -91.638381 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

4/15/2026Macbride Bird Blind1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/13/2026

Wood Duck

64/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

194/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

64/13/2026

Mallard

54/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

94/13/2026

Northern Bobwhite

14/13/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

74/13/2026

Mourning Dove

64/13/2026

American Coot

34/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/13/2026

Killdeer

34/13/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

24/13/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/13/2026

American White Pelican

2004/13/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

14/13/2026

Bald Eagle

24/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

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 Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Pheasant, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area?
Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.