Lake birding habitat

Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - Swan Lake

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area - Swan Lake is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

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