Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026Kiowa Marsh--Main Marsh2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1003/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

33/2/2026

Mallard

453/2/2026

Lesser Scaup

83/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

73/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

33/2/2026

Common Merganser

253/2/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

13/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/2/2026

Bald Eagle

33/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/2/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

452/24/2026

Cackling Goose

152/24/2026

American Black Duck

12/24/2026

Northern Pintail

92/24/2026

Redhead

12/24/2026

Ring-necked Duck

52/24/2026

Bufflehead

32/24/2026

Barred Owl

12/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

42/24/2026

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 Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex for birding?
The best months to visit Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex?
Notable species at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex?
Birding at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex?
Black Hawk Marsh Wildlife Management Area/Blackhawk State Park complex offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.