Lake birding habitat

Little Storm Lake

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Little Storm Lake is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/20/2026Little Storm Lake1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

4/18/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

4/17/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/15/2026Sunken Grove WMA2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Kiowa Marsh--Main Marsh1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/12/2026Little Storm Lake1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/12/2026Kiowa Marsh--Main Marsh2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/12/2026Little Storm Lake23 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/9/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/9/2026Storm Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/20/2026

Virginia Rail

14/20/2026

Killdeer

14/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/20/2026

Bald Eagle

14/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/20/2026

House Finch

24/20/2026

Field Sparrow

14/20/2026

Song Sparrow

14/20/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

4/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/20/2026

Common Grackle

14/20/2026

Palm Warbler

14/20/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/12/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/12/2026

Wood Duck

4/12/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/12/2026

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