Lake birding habitat

Lake Macbride - North Arm

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Macbride - North Arm is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck 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-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/12/2026Iowa River between Hills access and River Junction landing2 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

6/12/2026Brown Deer Golf Club, Coralville US-IA 41.70678, -91.573842 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/11/2026Amana--Lily Pond4 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

6/7/2026North Ridge Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/5/2026Hawkeye WMA--Hanging Rock Woods1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/5/2026Wendell Simonson Memorial Shotgun Range - Amana Road1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

6/5/2026Greencastle Ave NW, Swisher US-IA 41.80695, -91.714801 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

266/9/2026

Mourning Dove

16/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/9/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/9/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/9/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/9/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/9/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/9/2026

American Crow

46/9/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/9/2026

Tree Swallow

36/9/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/9/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/9/2026

Northern House Wren

16/9/2026

European Starling

16/9/2026

Gray Catbird

36/9/2026

American Robin

16/9/2026

Cedar Waxwing

106/9/2026

House Sparrow

16/9/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

16/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Lake Macbride - North Arm for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Macbride - North Arm for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Macbride - North Arm?
Notable species at Lake Macbride - North Arm include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Canvasback, Redhead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Macbride - North Arm?
Birding at Lake Macbride - North Arm is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Macbride - North Arm?
Lake Macbride - North Arm offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.