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

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/21/2026Black Hawk Forest Nature Preserve1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/21/2026Martin Conservation Area80 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

4/20/2026Sayles Yard1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/18/2026Zuma Creek Flats1 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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/13/2026Fejuvary1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/9/2026Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa)2 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

194/22/2026

Wood Duck

24/22/2026

Mourning Dove

84/22/2026

American Coot

444/22/2026

Killdeer

24/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/22/2026

American White Pelican

64/22/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/22/2026

Northern Flicker

24/22/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

14/22/2026

Purple Martin

244/22/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/22/2026

American Robin

64/22/2026

House Sparrow

14/22/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

24/22/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/22/2026

Song Sparrow

14/22/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

164/22/2026

Common Grackle

104/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/22/2026

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.