Broken Kettle Grasslands

Iowa · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Broken Kettle Grasslands is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Northern Harrier 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

Canada Goose Rock Pigeon Northern Harrier Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/4/2026Butcher Road, Westfield, Iowa, US (42.707, -96.543)1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/4/2026Butcher Road, Westfield, Iowa, US (42.707, -96.543)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

3/5/2026

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

43/5/2026

Rough-legged Hawk

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
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

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

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

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Broken Kettle Grasslands for birding?▼

The best months to visit Broken Kettle Grasslands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Broken Kettle Grasslands?▼

Notable species at Broken Kettle Grasslands include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Broken Kettle Grasslands?▼

Birding at Broken Kettle Grasslands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Broken Kettle Grasslands?▼

Broken Kettle Grasslands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.