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-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/19/2026Amana--Lily Pond2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/19/2026Hawkeye WMA--Greencastle Ave. causeway1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/19/2026Hawkeye WMA--Amana Rd.4 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/17/2026Hawkeye WMA--Gunclub Ponds6 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/20262758–2864 James Ave NW, Tiffin US-IA 41.73028, -91.661472 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

4/15/2026Macbride Bird Blind1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/15/2026Court St. House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/19/2026

Blue-winged Teal

54/19/2026

Mallard

24/19/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/19/2026

American White Pelican

44/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/19/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/19/2026

Northern Flicker

14/19/2026

Blue Jay

14/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/19/2026

Barn Swallow

14/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

64/19/2026

American Robin

94/19/2026

American Goldfinch

54/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/19/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

54/19/2026

Wood Duck

24/16/2026

Wild Turkey

14/16/2026

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.