Wetland birding habitat

Nahant Marsh

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nahant Marsh is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, and Hooded Merganser 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

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

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

6/2/2026Old Green Valley Park, Moline1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

406/13/2026

Wood Duck

16/13/2026

Mourning Dove

76/13/2026

Killdeer

16/13/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/13/2026

Green Heron

16/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/13/2026

American White Pelican

166/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/13/2026

Bald Eagle

16/13/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/13/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/13/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/13/2026

Tree Swallow

156/13/2026

Purple Martin

406/13/2026

Barn Swallow

26/13/2026

Northern House Wren

36/13/2026

European Starling

16/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Nahant Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Nahant Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nahant Marsh?
Notable species at Nahant Marsh include Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nahant Marsh?
Birding at Nahant Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nahant Marsh?
Nahant Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.