Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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 Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

3/4/2026Kame1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/28/2026Redwood Ave, Jefferson US-IA 41.94547, -94.289991 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/28/2026Bays Branch WMA--190th St.2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

2/28/2026Bays Branch WMA--190th St.2 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

2/25/2026Home farm near Rippey1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

4003/1/2026

Canada Goose

6003/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

1473/1/2026

Gadwall

53/1/2026

American Wigeon

13/1/2026

Mallard

8003/1/2026

Northern Pintail

1203/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/1/2026

Canvasback

33/1/2026

Redhead

603/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

853/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

303/1/2026

Bufflehead

133/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

503/1/2026

Common Merganser

173/1/2026

American Coot

13/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Bald Eagle

23/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

33/1/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

453/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area?
Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.