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

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

Downy Woodpecker

16/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

36/12/2026

Northern Flicker

16/12/2026

Wild Turkey

16/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/6/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/6/2026

Gray Catbird

6/6/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/6/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/5/2026

American Crow

26/5/2026

Tree Swallow

136/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

16/5/2026

American Robin

46/5/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

76/5/2026

Common Grackle

16/5/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/5/2026

Dickcissel

66/5/2026

Canada Goose

86/2/2026

Wood Duck

26/2/2026

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.