Forest birding habitat

Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

8/23/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

8/23/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

8/22/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

8/19/2026Storm Lake2 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

8/19/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

8/14/2026Storm Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

28/22/2026

Mallard

48/22/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

28/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

18/22/2026

Mourning Dove

88/22/2026

Common Nighthawk

48/22/2026

Upland Sandpiper

18/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

98/22/2026

Cooper's Hawk

28/22/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

28/22/2026

Downy Woodpecker

28/22/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

18/22/2026

Northern Flicker

18/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

28/22/2026

Least Flycatcher

38/22/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

28/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

8/22/2026

Philadelphia Vireo

18/22/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

28/22/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

38/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area include Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Gadwall. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area?
Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.