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

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

3/3/2026Myerwood Dr2 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

2/27/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--NE 118th Ave. woodlands1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--Chichaqua Bottoms Trail1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

2/25/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--Mendenhall Unit2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

3203/6/2026

Ross's Goose

23/6/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

6003/6/2026

Cackling Goose

353/6/2026

Canada Goose

1303/6/2026

Trumpeter Swan

43/6/2026

Gadwall

283/6/2026

American Wigeon

23/6/2026

Mallard

1803/6/2026

American Black Duck

13/6/2026

Northern Pintail

703/6/2026

Canvasback

83/6/2026

Redhead

243/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

363/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

233/6/2026

Bufflehead

93/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

83/6/2026

Common Merganser

453/6/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/6/2026

Killdeer

33/6/2026

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.