The Birding Hub

The Birding Hub

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

Iowa · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestLake

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and Greater Scaup 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

Green-winged Teal Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Hooded Merganser Common Merganser

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

3/5/2026Prairie Lakes Park1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

2/26/2026George Wyth SP1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

2/25/2026Sans Souci Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Canada Goose

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

Mallard

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

1 birds

Ring-necked Duck

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

Common Merganser

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

7 birds

Killdeer

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

1 birds

Bald Eagle

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

3 birds

Greater Scaup

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/5/2026

2 birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/4/2026

1 birds

House Finch

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/4/2026

1 birds

Greater White-fronted Goose

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/3/2026

150 birds

Trumpeter Swan

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/3/2026

8 birds

Wood Duck

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/3/2026

1 birds

American Crow

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/3/2026

3 birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/3/2026

1 birds

Northern Cardinal

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

3/3/2026

1 birds

Northern Pintail

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

2/27/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Iowa

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Missouri River refuge with spectacular fall Snow Goose migration and year-round birding.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Iowa with 274 recorded species.

Amana - Lily Pond

Lake birding hotspot in Iowa with 210 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Woods Lake Recreation Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Big Woods Lake Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Big Woods Lake Recreation Area?▼

Notable species at Big Woods Lake Recreation Area include Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports forest, lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Big Woods Lake Recreation Area?▼

Birding at Big Woods Lake Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Big Woods Lake Recreation Area?▼

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.