River/Riparian birding habitat

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, and Bufflehead 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/19/2026Flooded ag field outside Palo1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/19/20265853 26th Street Southwest, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, US (41.922, -91.706)1 observed

Gray Partridge

Perdix perdix

6/16/2026Deal Rd. sod farm (private property)2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/14/2026Wickiup Hill County Park1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/12/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

6/12/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/12/2026Chain-O-Lakes WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

156/17/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/17/2026

Tree Swallow

16/17/2026

Barn Swallow

16/17/2026

Northern House Wren

16/17/2026

Gray Catbird

26/17/2026

American Robin

36/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

106/17/2026

Common Grackle

86/17/2026

Common Yellowthroat

46/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/17/2026

Mourning Dove

66/17/2026

American White Pelican

406/17/2026

American Goldfinch

86/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

36/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/12/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/12/2026

American Redstart

16/12/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/12/2026

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 Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
Birding at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.