Saylorville Reservoir - Big Creek spillway area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Big Creek SP1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Polk City Wildlife Area6 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

3/1/202610626–10652 NW 100th St, Granger US-IA 41.75530, -93.756043 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026Marsh Farm Wetland (private property)2 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Creston Ave4 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

2/27/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--NE 118th Ave. woodlands1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--Chichaqua Bottoms Trail1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

2/27/2026Iowa Capitol grounds1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

2/25/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Oak Grove Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

13/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

503/1/2026

Bald Eagle

43/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/1/2026

Canada Goose

113/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

22/26/2026

Ring-necked Duck

302/26/2026

American Crow

22/26/2026

Common Merganser

62/25/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/25/2026

American Robin

52/25/2026

American Tree Sparrow

142/25/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

62/25/2026

White-throated Sparrow

52/25/2026

Blue Jay

12/20/2026

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.