Lake birding habitat

Lake Manawa

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Manawa is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Lesser Scaup 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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/19/2026Chalco Hills RA1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/18/2026Home1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/18/2026home1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/17/2026Randall W. Schilling WMA1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

4/17/2026Swanson Yard1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/16/2026Walnut Creek RA3 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/10/2026

Wood Duck

174/10/2026

Killdeer

14/10/2026

Bald Eagle

14/10/2026

Barred Owl

14/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/10/2026

European Starling

234/10/2026

American Robin

54/10/2026

Lesser Scaup

754/10/2026

Ruddy Duck

104/10/2026

Horned Grebe

24/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/10/2026

Northern Shoveler

84/10/2026

Mallard

14/10/2026

American Coot

4/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

344/10/2026

American White Pelican

64/10/2026

Blue-winged Teal

54/10/2026

Wild Turkey

74/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/10/2026

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 Manawa for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Manawa for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Manawa?
Notable species at Lake Manawa include Canada Goose, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Manawa?
Birding at Lake Manawa is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Manawa?
Lake Manawa offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.