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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/20/2026Fontenelle Forest--Wetlands2 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

4/19/2026Flanagan Lake1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/19/2026Standing Bear Lake1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/19/2026N. P. Dodge Park1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/18/2026Home1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/18/2026home1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge (Iowa)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/15/2026Fontenelle Forest--Wetlands1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/14/2026Fontenelle Forest--Wetlands2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

64/19/2026

Northern Flicker

14/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/19/2026

Northern House Wren

14/19/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/19/2026

American Robin

24/19/2026

American Goldfinch

24/19/2026

Field Sparrow

14/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/11/2026

Cedar Waxwing

504/11/2026

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.