Grassland birding habitat

Mines of Spain State Recreation Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mines of Spain State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Mourning Dove, and Red-bellied 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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/19/2026Deere Dike Park and Riverside Road1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/19/2026Deere Dike Park and Riverside Road1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/19/2026Deere Dike Park and Riverside Road1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/16/2026Deere Dike Park and Riverside Road2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/16/2026Deere Dike Park and Riverside Road

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/15/2026992 Whispering Ln, Jamestown US-WI (42.5437,-90.6200)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/20/2026

Mourning Dove

34/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

44/20/2026

American White Pelican

24/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

74/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

34/20/2026

Barred Owl

14/20/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/20/2026

Northern Flicker

34/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/20/2026

Blue Jay

44/20/2026

American Crow

14/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

44/20/2026

Tree Swallow

14/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

44/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/20/2026

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 Mines of Spain State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Mines of Spain State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mines of Spain State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Mines of Spain State Recreation Area include Mallard, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, American Kestrel. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mines of Spain State Recreation Area?
Birding at Mines of Spain State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mines of Spain State Recreation Area?
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.