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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/14/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--Bluewing Wildlife Management Unit1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/14/2026NE Bluff Dr. south of NE 118th Ave.1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/14/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--Bluewing Wildlife Management Unit1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

106/7/2026

Mallard

26/7/2026

Mourning Dove

16/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

266/7/2026

Great Egret

16/7/2026

American Kestrel

16/7/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/7/2026

Barn Swallow

16/7/2026

European Starling

26/7/2026

American Robin

36/7/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

96/7/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/7/2026

Common Grackle

86/7/2026

Dickcissel

66/7/2026

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.