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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/22/2026Top Shape Pond6 observed

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

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/21/2026

American Kestrel

14/21/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/21/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/21/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/20/2026

Northern Flicker

14/20/2026

Blue Jay

34/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/20/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/20/2026

American Robin

14/20/2026

Field Sparrow

24/20/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/20/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/11/2026

Mallard

24/11/2026

Wild Turkey

24/11/2026

Killdeer

14/11/2026

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.