Cedar Lake

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cedar Lake is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, 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

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/2026Us bank1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Lake Macbride SP3 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/2/2026Lake Macbride--North Arm1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Two Horse Farm1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026Hawkeye WMA (general location)5 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

2/27/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

2/25/2026Roller Dam (S-Curve)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

3752/27/2026

Canada Goose

602/27/2026

Mallard

102/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

402/27/2026

Mourning Dove

32/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1752/27/2026

American Herring Gull

1252/27/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

12/27/2026

House Finch

402/27/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

12/27/2026

Song Sparrow

12/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/27/2026

European Starling

502/22/2026

Lesser Scaup

122/21/2026

Bald Eagle

42/21/2026

House Sparrow

12/21/2026

American Tree Sparrow

12/21/2026

Common Merganser

12/20/2026

American Crow

12/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Cedar Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Cedar Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cedar Lake?
Notable species at Cedar Lake include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cedar Lake?
Birding at Cedar Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.