Lake birding habitat

Red Rock Reservoir

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Red Rock Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

8/23/2026Red Rock Reservoir--Whitebreast Recreation Area1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

8/23/2026Red Rock Reservoir--lower delta (limited access, mud boat required)4 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/22/2026Red Rock Reservoir--Whitebreast Recreation Area3 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

8/21/2026Red Rock WMA - Browns Lake Area1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

8/20/2026Red Rock WMA - Browns Lake Area1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

8/20/2026Red Rock WMA - Browns Lake Area1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

8/15/2026Red Rock Reservoir--North Overlook Picnic Area2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

8/15/2026Red Rock Reservoir--North Overlook Picnic Area1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

8/14/2026Red Rock Reservoir--lower delta (limited access, mud boat required)2 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

8/14/2026Red Rock Reservoir--lower delta (limited access, mud boat required)2 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

8/12/2026Red Rock WMA-Beardsley Basin1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-headed Woodpecker

68/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

58/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

38/23/2026

Northern Flicker

28/23/2026

Alder Flycatcher

28/23/2026

Eastern Kingbird

78/23/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

18/23/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

48/23/2026

Blue Jay

48/23/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

68/23/2026

American Robin

78/23/2026

American Goldfinch

58/23/2026

Baltimore Oriole

18/23/2026

Mourning Dove

18/23/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

28/23/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

18/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

18/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

18/23/2026

Bald Eagle

28/23/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

18/23/2026

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 Red Rock Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Red Rock Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Red Rock Reservoir?
Notable species at Red Rock Reservoir include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Red Rock Reservoir?
Birding at Red Rock Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Red Rock Reservoir?
Red Rock Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.