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

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/21/2026Saylorville WMA (Boone Co.)--east of Des Moines River4 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

244/21/2026

Northern Shoveler

104/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

144/21/2026

Killdeer

24/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

504/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/21/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

14/21/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

504/21/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

74/21/2026

Franklin's Gull

504/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

754/21/2026

Caspian Tern

14/21/2026

Forster's Tern

24/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/21/2026

American White Pelican

1204/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Northern Flicker

14/21/2026

Blue Jay

14/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

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 - 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.