Lake birding habitat

Red Rock Reservoir - Pinchey Bottoms

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Red Rock Reservoir - Pinchey Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 212 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/18/2026Mississippi Kite Base Tree2 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

Mallard

46/18/2026

Mourning Dove

36/18/2026

Killdeer

76/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/18/2026

Bald Eagle

16/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/18/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/18/2026

Bell's Vireo

26/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/18/2026

Blue Jay

16/18/2026

Barn Swallow

46/18/2026

Northern House Wren

26/18/2026

Carolina Wren

16/18/2026

Gray Catbird

26/18/2026

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 - Pinchey Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Red Rock Reservoir - Pinchey Bottoms for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Red Rock Reservoir - Pinchey Bottoms?
Notable species at Red Rock Reservoir - Pinchey Bottoms 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 - Pinchey Bottoms?
Birding at Red Rock Reservoir - Pinchey Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Red Rock Reservoir - Pinchey Bottoms?
Red Rock Reservoir - Pinchey Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.