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

8/23/2026Wickiup Hill Learning Center1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/22/2026Pinicon Ridge Co. Park5 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

8/22/2026Indian Creek Nature Center (general location)1 observed

Gray Partridge

Perdix perdix

8/20/2026Deal Rd. sod farm (private property)6 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

8/19/2026Pinicon Ridge Co. Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

18/22/2026

Northern Flicker

18/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

58/22/2026

Blue Jay

18/22/2026

Tree Swallow

58/22/2026

Gray Catbird

18/22/2026

American Goldfinch

48/22/2026

Song Sparrow

18/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

18/22/2026

Indigo Bunting

18/22/2026

Mourning Dove

38/16/2026

Killdeer

38/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

18/16/2026

Barn Swallow

28/16/2026

Wood Duck

28/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

18/15/2026

Black Tern

18/15/2026

Forster's Tern

28/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/15/2026

Orchard Oriole

18/15/2026

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.