Lake birding habitat

Little Wall Lake

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Little Wall Lake is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/2026East River Valley Park 2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/20261525 Ridgewood Ave, Ames US-IA (42.0384,-93.6305)5 observed

Clark's Nutcracker

Nucifraga columbiana

8/23/2026Furman Aquatic Center green space1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

8/23/20261905 Ridgewood Ave, Ames US-IA 42.03874, -93.632131 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

8/23/2026Ada Hayden Heritage Park (general location)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

18/22/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

18/22/2026

Barn Swallow

38/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

18/21/2026

Wood Duck

48/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

18/16/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

28/16/2026

Mourning Dove

48/16/2026

Killdeer

48/16/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

128/16/2026

Tree Swallow

208/16/2026

Cliff Swallow

408/16/2026

European Starling

288/16/2026

American Robin

58/16/2026

House Sparrow

28/16/2026

American Goldfinch

18/16/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

18/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

758/16/2026

Common Grackle

408/16/2026

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 Wall Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Little Wall Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Little Wall Lake?
Notable species at Little Wall Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Little Wall Lake?
Birding at Little Wall Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Little Wall Lake?
Little Wall Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.