Wetland birding habitat

Hendrickson Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hendrickson Marsh Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 263 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Trumpeter Swan, 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

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/18/202621032-20582 720th Avenue, Colo, Iowa, US (42.053, -93.271)

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Colo Bogs WMA1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/13/20267056–7098 NE 142nd Ave, Maxwell US-IA 41.82000, -93.469742 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/13/2026Arney Bend Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

104/19/2026

Blue-winged Teal

144/19/2026

Gadwall

254/19/2026

American Wigeon

204/19/2026

Mallard

84/19/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/19/2026

Canvasback

64/19/2026

Ring-necked Duck

304/19/2026

Lesser Scaup

154/19/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/19/2026

Ruddy Duck

24/19/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

34/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

84/19/2026

Mourning Dove

14/19/2026

American Coot

654/19/2026

Killdeer

44/19/2026

Wilson's Snipe

74/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

84/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

84/19/2026

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