Lake birding habitat

Saylorville Reservoir

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Saylorville Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 305 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

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

8/24/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area4 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

8/24/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area3 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

8/24/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Cherry Glen Recreation Area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

8/24/20264106 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, US (41.598, -93.674)2 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

8/23/2026Ashworth and Greenwood Parks1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Cherry Glen Recreation Area2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

18/24/2026

American White Pelican

8/24/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

18/24/2026

Tree Swallow

8/24/2026

Gray Catbird

18/24/2026

American Robin

8/24/2026

American Goldfinch

18/24/2026

Canada Goose

48/24/2026

Blue-winged Teal

78/24/2026

Mallard

88/24/2026

Northern Pintail

28/24/2026

Killdeer

108/24/2026

Marbled Godwit

48/24/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

38/24/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

58/24/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

508/24/2026

Least Sandpiper

158/24/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

1508/24/2026

Franklin's Gull

18/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1758/24/2026

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