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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/14/2026NE Bluff Dr. south of NE 118th Ave.1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/14/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/14/2026NE Hubbell Rd, Bondurant US-IA (41.7433,-93.3932)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/13/2026Dalander Cemetery1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

56/14/2026

Mallard

96/14/2026

Franklin's Gull

26/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

256/14/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

16/14/2026

Black Tern

56/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

776/14/2026

Great Egret

26/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/14/2026

American White Pelican

1806/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/14/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/14/2026

Cliff Swallow

1206/14/2026

Northern House Wren

16/14/2026

Gray Catbird

16/14/2026

Song Sparrow

16/14/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/14/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/14/2026

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.