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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/19/20265853 26th Street Southwest, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, US (41.922, -91.706)1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

26/19/2026

Osprey

16/19/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/19/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/19/2026

Barn Swallow

16/19/2026

Northern House Wren

16/19/2026

Gray Catbird

26/19/2026

Brown Thrasher

26/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

46/19/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/19/2026

Baltimore Oriole

26/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/19/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/19/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

26/19/2026

Indigo Bunting

36/19/2026

Wood Duck

16/19/2026

Northern Bobwhite

26/19/2026

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.