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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/19/20265853 26th Street Southwest, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, US (41.922, -91.706)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/15/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/14/2026903 East College Street, Iowa City, Iowa, US (41.659, -91.523)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

6/12/2026Brown Deer Golf Club, Coralville US-IA 41.70678, -91.573842 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/11/2026Amana--Lily Pond4 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

6/7/2026North Ridge Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/19/2026

Chimney Swift

16/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/19/2026

Northern Flicker

16/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Blue Jay

26/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/19/2026

Northern House Wren

26/19/2026

European Starling

56/19/2026

Gray Catbird

56/19/2026

American Robin

76/19/2026

House Sparrow

56/19/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

26/19/2026

House Finch

26/19/2026

Song Sparrow

46/19/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/19/2026

Common Grackle

36/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

66/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/19/2026

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.