Grassland birding habitat

Sugar Bottom WA

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sugar Bottom WA is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, American White Pelican, and Bald Eagle 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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

8/23/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

8/23/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

8/19/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/19/2026Iowa City City Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--James. NW1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper (solitaria)

Tringa solitaria

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

8/17/2026Cedar River Crossing--North Access1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

8/17/2026F.W. Kent Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

8/14/2026Hawkeye WMA--James. NW1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

8/13/2026Coralville Lake--Woodpecker Trail2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

8/12/2026Hawkeye WMA--headquarters area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cooper's Hawk

18/22/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

18/22/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

18/22/2026

American Crow

38/22/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

18/22/2026

American Goldfinch

48/22/2026

Eastern Towhee

28/22/2026

American Redstart

28/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Sugar Bottom WA for birding?
The best months to visit Sugar Bottom WA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sugar Bottom WA?
Notable species at Sugar Bottom WA include Ring-billed Gull, American White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Barred Owl. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sugar Bottom WA?
Birding at Sugar Bottom WA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sugar Bottom WA?
Sugar Bottom WA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.