Swan Lake State Park

Iowa · Midwest

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Swan Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead 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

Canada Goose Mallard Redhead Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/20/2026202 Colorado St, back yard. Glidden US-IA 42.05687, -94.725311 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/10/2026Dunbar Slough WMA--250th St.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/17/2026

Wood Duck

24/17/2026

American Coot

24/17/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

74/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

54/17/2026

Purple Martin

64/17/2026

American Robin

44/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/17/2026

Northern Flicker

34/10/2026

American Kestrel

14/10/2026

Vesper Sparrow

34/10/2026

Gadwall

14/8/2026

Ring-necked Duck

204/8/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Iowa

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Missouri River refuge with spectacular fall Snow Goose migration and year-round birding.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Iowa with 274 recorded species.

Amana - Lily Pond

Lake birding hotspot in Iowa with 210 recorded species.

Iowa Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Iowa →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Swan Lake State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Swan Lake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Swan Lake State Park?▼

Notable species at Swan Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Swan Lake State Park?▼

Birding at Swan Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Swan Lake State Park?▼

Swan Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.