River/Riparian birding habitat

Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa)

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/18/2026201–299 265th St N, Hillsdale US-IL 41.53203, -90.252091 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/16/2026Princeton WMA--Archery Range Area1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/16/2026Princeton WMA1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/15/2026Hennepin Canal--Big Island and Lock 313 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/14/2026Glynns Creek Golf Course, Eldridge US-IA 41.72495, -90.523961 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/14/2026Zuma Creek Flats1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

4/13/2026Nahant Marsh2 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/13/2026Princeton WMA1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/13/2026Fejuvary1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/12/2026Geneseo Prairie Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/10/20261202–1288 265th St N, Hillsdale US-IL 41.53884, -90.252501 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/9/2026Willowbrook Farm (Private Access)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

4/9/2026Black Hawk Forest Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

124/9/2026

Wood Duck

24/9/2026

Mallard

54/9/2026

Common Merganser

24/9/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

44/9/2026

Mourning Dove

14/9/2026

Killdeer

14/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

104/9/2026

American White Pelican

144/9/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/9/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/9/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/9/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/9/2026

Tree Swallow

104/9/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/9/2026

Carolina Wren

14/9/2026

American Robin

44/9/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

54/9/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/9/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 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.