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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/12/2026Iowa River between Hills access and River Junction landing2 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

6/7/2026North Ridge Park1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/5/2026Wendell Simonson Memorial Shotgun Range - Amana Road1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

6/5/2026Greencastle Ave NW, Swisher US-IA 41.80695, -91.714801 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/4/2026Hawkeye WMA--headquarters area3 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

6/4/2026Hawkeye WMA--Amana Rd.4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

36/1/2026

Mallard

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Killdeer

36/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Bald Eagle

26/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

36/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

56/1/2026

Northern House Wren

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

136/1/2026

Brown Thrasher

26/1/2026

American Robin

136/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

36/1/2026

House Sparrow

26/1/2026

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.