Lake birding habitat

Pine Lake State Park

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pine Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/21/2026Glass Field Pond16 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/13/2026Arney Bend Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

94/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/18/2026

American White Pelican

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

54/18/2026

American Robin

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

24/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

14/18/2026

Barn Swallow

14/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

Northern House Wren

14/18/2026

Purple Finch

14/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/18/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/11/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Pine Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Pine Lake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pine Lake State Park?
Notable species at Pine Lake State Park include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pine Lake State Park?
Birding at Pine Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Pine Lake State Park?
Pine Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.