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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

8/23/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

8/23/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

8/19/2026Lake Macbride--South Arm1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/19/2026Iowa City City Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--James. NW1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper (solitaria)

Tringa solitaria

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

8/18/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

8/17/2026Cedar River Crossing--North Access1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

8/17/2026F.W. Kent Park1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

8/16/20261300–1398 Kelly Ave, Atalissa US-IA 41.54231, -91.174251 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

8/14/2026Hawkeye WMA--James. NW1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

8/13/2026Coralville Lake--Woodpecker Trail2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

48/21/2026

Killdeer

118/21/2026

Blue Jay

18/21/2026

Barn Swallow

48/21/2026

Cliff Swallow

78/21/2026

Sedge Wren

28/21/2026

Gray Catbird

78/21/2026

American Robin

48/21/2026

American Goldfinch

178/21/2026

Song Sparrow

48/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

18/21/2026

Canada Goose

18/21/2026

Sandhill Crane

18/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/21/2026

Bell's Vireo

38/21/2026

American Crow

28/21/2026

Northern House Wren

28/21/2026

House Sparrow

78/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

28/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

18/21/2026

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.