Forest birding habitat

Hickory Grove Park

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hickory Grove Park is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Bufflehead 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

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/2026East River Valley Park 2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/20261525 Ridgewood Ave, Ames US-IA (42.0384,-93.6305)5 observed

Clark's Nutcracker

Nucifraga columbiana

8/23/2026Furman Aquatic Center green space1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

8/23/20261905 Ridgewood Ave, Ames US-IA 42.03874, -93.632131 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

8/23/2026Ada Hayden Heritage Park (general location)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

48/22/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

78/22/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

28/22/2026

Downy Woodpecker

18/22/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

18/22/2026

Northern Flicker

28/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

58/22/2026

Least Flycatcher

18/22/2026

Eastern Phoebe

38/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

58/22/2026

Blue Jay

48/22/2026

American Crow

28/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

38/22/2026

Tree Swallow

2658/22/2026

Barn Swallow

18/22/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

28/22/2026

Northern House Wren

38/22/2026

European Starling

458/22/2026

Eastern Bluebird

108/22/2026

American Goldfinch

78/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Hickory Grove Park for birding?
The best months to visit Hickory Grove Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hickory Grove Park?
Notable species at Hickory Grove Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, American Crow. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hickory Grove Park?
Birding at Hickory Grove Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Hickory Grove Park?
Hickory Grove Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.