Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW

Iowa · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, 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

Canada Goose Wood Duck Mallard Killdeer Red-bellied Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

8/23/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

8/23/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

8/19/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/19/2026Iowa City City Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--James. NW1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper (solitaria)

Tringa solitaria

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

8/17/2026Cedar River Crossing--North Access1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

8/17/2026F.W. Kent Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

8/14/2026Hawkeye WMA--James. NW1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

8/13/2026Coralville Lake--Woodpecker Trail2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

168/23/2026

Northern Shoveler

68/23/2026

Mallard

18/23/2026

Mourning Dove

58/23/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

28/23/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

18/23/2026

Least Sandpiper

68/23/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

28/23/2026

Great Egret

58/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

38/23/2026

American White Pelican

208/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

38/23/2026

Osprey

18/23/2026

Bald Eagle

28/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

18/23/2026

American Kestrel

18/23/2026

Eastern Phoebe

18/23/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

18/23/2026

Eastern Kingbird

28/23/2026

American Crow

48/23/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
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 Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW for birding?▼

The best months to visit Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW?▼

Notable species at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Killdeer, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW?▼

Birding at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW?▼

Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - James. NW offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.