Lake birding habitat

Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Hooded Merganser, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/19/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/19/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

6/19/2026Saylorville WMA (Boone Co.)--west of Des Moines River1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/18/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area2 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/18/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/18/2026Mississippi Kite Base Tree2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/17/2026Raccoon River Park16 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

436/19/2026

Mallard

326/19/2026

Mourning Dove

16/19/2026

Killdeer

26/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

36/19/2026

Franklin's Gull

96/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

236/19/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

16/19/2026

Caspian Tern

16/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

926/19/2026

Great Egret

16/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

176/19/2026

American White Pelican

886/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

56/19/2026

Osprey

26/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/19/2026

Northern Flicker

16/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/19/2026

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 - Big Creek spillway area for birding?
The best months to visit Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area?
Notable species at Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area include Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area?
Birding at Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area?
Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.