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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/20/2026Little Storm Lake1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

4/18/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

4/17/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/15/2026Sunken Grove WMA2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Kiowa Marsh--Main Marsh1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/12/2026Little Storm Lake1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/12/2026Kiowa Marsh--Main Marsh2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/12/2026Little Storm Lake23 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/9/2026Storm Lake1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/9/2026Storm Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Sora

14/18/2026

Canada Goose

4/15/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/15/2026

Wood Duck

24/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/15/2026

Gadwall

14/15/2026

Mallard

4/15/2026

Ruddy Duck

104/15/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/15/2026

Virginia Rail

24/15/2026

American Coot

4/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/15/2026

American Bittern

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/15/2026

Bald Eagle

14/15/2026

Great Horned Owl

24/15/2026

Barred Owl

24/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

4/15/2026

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.