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

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

8/22/2026Pond behind Charlie's on the Lake2 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

8/22/2026Bohemian Cemetery1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/22/2026Neale Woods3 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

8/21/2026Fontenelle Forest--Nature Center1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

8/21/2026Fontenelle Forest--Nature Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

188/11/2026

Wild Turkey

38/11/2026

Mourning Dove

48/11/2026

Chimney Swift

38/11/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

28/11/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

18/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

538/11/2026

Forster's Tern

118/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

78/11/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

28/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

18/11/2026

Northern Flicker

18/11/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

48/11/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

48/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

38/11/2026

Blue Jay

28/11/2026

Purple Martin

128/11/2026

Barn Swallow

1508/11/2026

Cliff Swallow

18/11/2026

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.