Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/5/2026Dale Maffitt Reservoir (Madison Co.)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Polk City Wildlife Area6 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Brenton Feedlot (private property)4 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

3/1/202610626–10652 NW 100th St, Granger US-IA 41.75530, -93.756043 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026Marsh Farm Wetland (private property)2 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Creston Ave4 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

2/27/2026Iowa Capitol grounds1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

2/25/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Oak Grove Recreation Area1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/24/2026Des Moines University1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

2/22/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Lincoln Access2 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

2/21/202612285 Northwest 30th Street, Polk City, Iowa, US (41.782, -93.659)8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

603/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

403/4/2026

Bald Eagle

53/4/2026

American Crow

23/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/4/2026

American Robin

303/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

63/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

163/4/2026

Mallard

23/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

63/2/2026

Common Merganser

203/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/2/2026

White-throated Sparrow

43/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

1003/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/2/2026

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.