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-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

4/22/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/21/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)--bowl1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/20/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)--bowl2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/19/2026Wickiup Hill Learning Center1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/19/2026Edna Shain Fen and Wildlife Area1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/18/2026Winegar Park1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/2026Chain-O-Lakes WMA2 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/16/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Willet

14/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/22/2026

American Goldfinch

44/22/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

14/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/22/2026

Canada Goose

4/22/2026

Mourning Dove

24/22/2026

Forster's Tern

74/22/2026

Common Loon

24/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/22/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

14/22/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/22/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/22/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

44/22/2026

Wood Duck

24/22/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/22/2026

Lesser Scaup

64/22/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

44/22/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

54/22/2026

Killdeer

24/22/2026

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.