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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/22/2026Ashworth and Greenwood Parks1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/22/2026Backyard1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/21/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 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

Great Blue Heron

44/22/2026

American White Pelican

654/22/2026

Northern Flicker

14/22/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

34/22/2026

American Robin

44/22/2026

Song Sparrow

24/22/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/22/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/22/2026

Canada Goose

24/21/2026

Mallard

14/21/2026

Killdeer

14/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/21/2026

Bald Eagle

24/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Blue Jay

204/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

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 - 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.