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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/22/2026Iowa State University--Arboretum1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/19/2026Ada Hayden Heritage Park (general location)1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/16/2026Iowa State University (general location)1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/16/2026Ada Hayden Heritage Park (general location)1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/15/2026North River Valley Park1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Colo Bogs WMA1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station (access permission required)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

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

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/12/20263475 100th Street, Roland, Iowa, US (42.209, -93.487)5 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/12/2026Iowa State University--Arboretum1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

174/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

34/21/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/21/2026

Mourning Dove

14/21/2026

Killdeer

44/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/21/2026

American Crow

24/21/2026

European Starling

34/21/2026

American Robin

84/21/2026

Song Sparrow

14/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/21/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

54/21/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

84/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/21/2026

Mallard

14/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/14/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

24/14/2026

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.