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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/19/2026Amana--Lily Pond2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/19/2026Hawkeye WMA--Greencastle Ave. causeway1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/19/2026Hawkeye WMA--Amana Rd.4 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/17/2026Hawkeye WMA--Gunclub Ponds6 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/20262758–2864 James Ave NW, Tiffin US-IA 41.73028, -91.661472 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

4/15/20268800 C Ave NE, Cedar Rapids US-IA 42.06566, -91.638381 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

4/15/2026Macbride Bird Blind1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Downy Woodpecker

14/19/2026

American Crow

14/19/2026

Barn Swallow

24/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

44/19/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/19/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

14/19/2026

Canada Goose

74/19/2026

Wood Duck

24/19/2026

Lesser Scaup

144/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

64/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/19/2026

Tree Swallow

704/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/19/2026

Northern House Wren

34/19/2026

White-throated Sparrow

44/19/2026

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.