Lake birding habitat

Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Goldeneye, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/21/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/21/2026Ashworth and Greenwood Parks1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/21/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/20/2026Moeckly Prairie (private property)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

154/20/2026

Mourning Dove

34/20/2026

Killdeer

24/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

74/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

124/20/2026

Osprey

14/20/2026

Bald Eagle

24/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/20/2026

Blue Jay

84/20/2026

American Crow

34/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/20/2026

Tree Swallow

404/20/2026

Purple Martin

504/20/2026

Barn Swallow

24/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/20/2026

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 Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area for birding?
The best months to visit Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area?
Notable species at Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area include Canada Goose, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, American Crow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area?
Birding at Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area?
Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.