Lake birding habitat

Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

6/19/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/19/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/18/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area2 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/18/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/18/2026Mississippi Kite Base Tree2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/17/2026Raccoon River Park16 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/16/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

16/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/16/2026

Tree Swallow

46/16/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/16/2026

Cliff Swallow

106/16/2026

American Robin

26/16/2026

Common Grackle

36/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/14/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

36/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

56/14/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

36/14/2026

Barn Swallow

36/14/2026

Northern House Wren

6/14/2026

European Starling

6/14/2026

Gray Catbird

6/14/2026

Song Sparrow

26/14/2026

Baltimore Oriole

6/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/14/2026

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 - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area?
Notable species at Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area?
Birding at Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area?
Saylorville Reservoir - overflow spillway and Bob Shetler Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.