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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/21/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/21/2026Ashworth and Greenwood Parks1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/21/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/20/2026Moeckly Prairie (private property)1 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/20/2026Lehman Organic Farm (private property)8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Upland Sandpiper

14/21/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/21/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/21/2026

White-throated Sparrow

54/21/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/21/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/21/2026

Wilson's Snipe

24/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

214/21/2026

Canada Goose

24/21/2026

Barred Owl

14/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/21/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Northern Flicker

14/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

14/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/21/2026

European Starling

24/21/2026

American Robin

14/21/2026

Song Sparrow

14/21/2026

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 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.