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

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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

8/23/2026Renee's House Tree2 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

8/16/2026Bank Swallow Bend Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

208/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

408/21/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

18/21/2026

Sandhill Crane

28/21/2026

Killdeer

68/21/2026

Semipalmated Plover

18/21/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

18/21/2026

Wilson's Snipe

38/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

18/21/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

28/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

108/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

18/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

548/21/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

738/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

28/21/2026

Little Blue Heron

18/21/2026

Great Egret

38/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

68/21/2026

Cooper's Hawk

18/21/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

18/21/2026

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.