Ledges State Park

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ledges State Park is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Rough-legged Hawk, Bald Eagle, and Red-headed Woodpecker 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

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

3/4/2026Bjorkboda Marsh WMA1 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Big Creek SP1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/1/2026Big Creek SP1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

3/1/202610626–10652 NW 100th St, Granger US-IA 41.75530, -93.756043 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

2/25/2026Big Creek SP1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

2/25/2026Home farm near Rippey1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

2/22/2026340th St. at stream crossing4 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

2/22/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Lincoln Access2 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/21/2026Big Creek WMA--NW 126th Ave.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rough-legged Hawk

13/2/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/27/2026

American Robin

12/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/26/2026

American Crow

32/26/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/26/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

32/26/2026

Eastern Bluebird

22/26/2026

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 Ledges State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Ledges State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ledges State Park?
Notable species at Ledges State Park include Rough-legged Hawk, Bald Eagle, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Robin. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ledges State Park?
Birding at Ledges State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Ledges State Park?
Ledges State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.