Grassland birding habitat

Sycamore Bottoms

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sycamore Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked Pheasant 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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/19/2026Corriell Nature Preserve, Bur Oak Land Trust (restricted access)2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

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

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/19/2026Cone Marsh WMA1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

94/17/2026

Wood Duck

24/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

224/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/17/2026

Mallard

74/17/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

34/17/2026

Mourning Dove

44/17/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/17/2026

Killdeer

24/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

24/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

14/17/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/17/2026

European Starling

24/17/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/17/2026

American Robin

34/17/2026

House Sparrow

14/17/2026

American Goldfinch

34/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

24/17/2026

Song Sparrow

24/17/2026

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 Sycamore Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Sycamore Bottoms for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sycamore Bottoms?
Notable species at Sycamore Bottoms include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Pheasant, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sycamore Bottoms?
Birding at Sycamore Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sycamore Bottoms?
Sycamore Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.