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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/13/2026Dalander Cemetery1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/13/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/12/20268513 Wooded Point Drive, Johnston, Iowa, US (41.684, -93.736)1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

6/11/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Oak Grove Recreation Area5 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/11/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/6/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/13/2026

American Crow

46/13/2026

Tree Swallow

116/13/2026

American Robin

16/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/13/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/13/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/13/2026

Northern Flicker

16/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/13/2026

American Goldfinch

26/13/2026

Baltimore Oriole

26/13/2026

Common Grackle

46/13/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/13/2026

Dickcissel

56/13/2026

Blue Grosbeak

16/13/2026

Canada Goose

1036/13/2026

Mallard

96/13/2026

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.