Urban Park birding habitat

Water Works Park, Des Moines

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Water Works Park, Des Moines is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-billed Gull among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/16/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area2 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/16/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/16/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/16/20262909 E 39th Ct, Des Moines US-IA 41.62202, -93.538431 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/14/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--Bluewing Wildlife Management Unit1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/14/2026NE Bluff Dr. south of NE 118th Ave.1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/14/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--Bluewing Wildlife Management Unit1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

6/11/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Oak Grove Recreation Area5 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/11/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Big Creek spillway area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Downy Woodpecker

16/15/2026

Northern Flicker

16/15/2026

Blue Jay

26/15/2026

European Starling

26/15/2026

Gray Catbird

16/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

26/15/2026

American Robin

76/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/15/2026

Canada Goose

446/14/2026

Mallard

96/14/2026

Osprey

16/14/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/14/2026

Song Sparrow

16/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

76/14/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  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 Water Works Park, Des Moines for birding?
The best months to visit Water Works Park, Des Moines for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Water Works Park, Des Moines?
Notable species at Water Works Park, Des Moines include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, American Robin. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Water Works Park, Des Moines?
Birding at Water Works Park, Des Moines is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Water Works Park, Des Moines?
Water Works Park, Des Moines offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.