Lake birding habitat

Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/11/2026Red Rock Reservoir--below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

94/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

204/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/19/2026

American Herring Gull

14/19/2026

Common Loon

24/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

754/19/2026

American White Pelican

2504/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/19/2026

Osprey

14/19/2026

Bald Eagle

34/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/19/2026

Northern Flicker

24/19/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/19/2026

Blue Jay

24/19/2026

Purple Martin

44/19/2026

Barn Swallow

14/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

44/19/2026

Carolina Wren

14/19/2026

European Starling

304/19/2026

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 - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) for birding?
The best months to visit Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)?
Notable species at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)?
Birding at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)?
Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.