Grassland birding habitat

Hitchcock Nature Center

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hitchcock Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, 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

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

8/23/2026My Yard1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

8/23/2026My Yard1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

8/23/2026Fontenelle Forest--Nature Center3 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

8/23/2026Fontenelle Forest--Nature Center1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

8/22/2026Bohemian Cemetery1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

8/22/2026DeSoto NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

18/22/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

28/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

48/22/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

28/22/2026

Blue Jay

68/22/2026

American Crow

18/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

108/22/2026

Barn Swallow

58/22/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

28/22/2026

Eastern Bluebird

18/22/2026

American Goldfinch

78/22/2026

Baltimore Oriole

18/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

28/22/2026

Indigo Bunting

28/22/2026

Canada Goose

1508/22/2026

Mourning Dove

38/22/2026

Killdeer

758/22/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

18/22/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

18/22/2026

Least Sandpiper

28/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Hitchcock Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Hitchcock Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hitchcock Nature Center?
Notable species at Hitchcock Nature Center include Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hitchcock Nature Center?
Birding at Hitchcock Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Hitchcock Nature Center?
Hitchcock Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.