Lake birding habitat

Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Dark-eyed Junco 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

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/19/2026Moeckly Prairie (private property)1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/19/2026Ashworth and Greenwood Parks1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/19/2026Shattuck Turf Farm (private property)1 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/19/2026Lehman Organic Farm (private property)20 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/19/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/19/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area3 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/19/2026Basin north of Moeckly Prairie (private property)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/19/2026Brenton Slough/Xavier Ave. wetland complex (private property)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

24/15/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/15/2026

American White Pelican

1004/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

154/15/2026

Barred Owl

24/15/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

34/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

54/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

54/15/2026

Northern House Wren

34/15/2026

Carolina Wren

24/15/2026

European Starling

94/15/2026

American Robin

224/15/2026

House Sparrow

24/15/2026

American Goldfinch

54/15/2026

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 - Cherry Glen Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area?
Notable species at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area include Bald Eagle, Red-headed Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area?
Birding at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area?
Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.