Urban Park birding habitat

Hickory Hills Park

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hickory Hills Park is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Blue Jay 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

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/20/2026Irvine Prairie33 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/20/2026Irvine Prairie2 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/20/2026Greenbelt Lake1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/19/2026Edna Shain Fen and Wildlife Area1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/18/2026Prairie Lakes Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/18/2026Winegar Park1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Dudgeon Lake WMA1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

4/13/2026Dudgeon Lake WMA1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

4/7/2026Hartman Reserve--Prairie Overlook3 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/7/2026Cedar River NRA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/19/2026

Chimney Swift

14/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/19/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/19/2026

Blue Jay

24/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/19/2026

Tree Swallow

174/19/2026

European Starling

24/19/2026

American Robin

54/19/2026

House Sparrow

34/19/2026

American Goldfinch

14/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/19/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

14/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

194/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

34/19/2026

Common Grackle

64/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

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