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

Loading map...

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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/15/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/14/2026903 East College Street, Iowa City, Iowa, US (41.659, -91.523)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

6/12/2026Brown Deer Golf Club, Coralville US-IA 41.70678, -91.573842 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/11/2026Amana--Lily Pond4 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

6/7/2026North Ridge Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/5/2026Hawkeye WMA--Hanging Rock Woods1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/5/2026Wendell Simonson Memorial Shotgun Range - Amana Road1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

6/5/2026Greencastle Ave NW, Swisher US-IA 41.80695, -91.714801 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

56/15/2026

Northern Bobwhite

16/15/2026

Wild Turkey

26/15/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/15/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/15/2026

Tree Swallow

26/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

16/15/2026

Northern House Wren

26/15/2026

American Robin

26/15/2026

Song Sparrow

26/15/2026

Swamp Sparrow

16/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/15/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/15/2026

Dickcissel

26/15/2026

Canada Goose

106/14/2026

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.