Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa)

Iowa · Midwest

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Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa) is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Canvasback 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

Canada Goose Mallard Canvasback Redhead Lesser Scaup

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Redhead

Aythya americana

6/18/2026Lock and Dam 14 (Illinois)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/18/2026Lock and Dam 14 (Illinois)1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/18/2026Lock and Dam 14 (Illinois)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/16/202634th Ave N2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/16/2026Hennepin Canal Park and Lock 323 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

6/11/20261200 90th Ave Ct W, Rock Island US-IL 41.42987, -90.583941 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/8/2026Howard’s End1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern House Wren

6/18/2026

Gray Catbird

6/18/2026

American Robin

6/18/2026

Song Sparrow

6/18/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

6/18/2026

Mourning Dove

26/18/2026

European Starling

26/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/18/2026

House Sparrow

86/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/18/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/18/2026

Common Grackle

16/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/18/2026

Mallard

16/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

46/18/2026

Killdeer

66/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

26/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/18/2026

Bald Eagle

16/18/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Iowa

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Missouri River refuge with spectacular fall Snow Goose migration and year-round birding.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Iowa with 274 recorded species.

Amana - Lily Pond

Lake birding hotspot in Iowa with 210 recorded species.

Iowa Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Iowa →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa)?▼

Notable species at Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead, Lesser Scaup. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa)?▼

Birding at Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa)?▼

Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.