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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/18/2026Red Rock Reservoir--Boxcars area1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

6/14/2026110th Ave Otley, IA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cooper's Hawk

16/19/2026

Canada Goose

126/19/2026

Wood Duck

16/19/2026

Mallard

36/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

26/19/2026

Mourning Dove

26/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/19/2026

Killdeer

66/19/2026

Forster's Tern

26/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

66/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

76/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/19/2026

Bald Eagle

36/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/19/2026

Barred Owl

16/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

26/19/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

36/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/19/2026

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.