The Birding Hub

The Birding Hub

Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Greater White-fronted Goose 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

Snow Goose Ross's Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA4 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA14 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA1 observed

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

2/28/2026Wiese Slough WMA--North Unit1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/27/2026Cone Marsh WMA7 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/27/2026Cone Marsh WMA2 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

2/26/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/22/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/21/2026Cone Marsh WMA4 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/21/2026Cone Marsh WMA2 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/21/2026Cone Marsh WMA6 observed

Recent Observations

Snow Goose

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

25 birds

Greater White-fronted Goose

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

20 birds

Canada Goose

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

100 birds

Trumpeter Swan

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

100 birds

Gadwall

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

40 birds

Mallard

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

60 birds

Sandhill Crane

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

10 birds

Northern Harrier

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

1 birds

American Kestrel

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

6 birds

Merlin

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

1 birds

European Starling

Cone Marsh WMA

3/3/2026

15 birds

Ross's Goose

Cone Marsh WMA

3/1/2026

6 birds

Killdeer

Cone Marsh WMA

3/1/2026

2 birds

Ring-billed Gull

Cone Marsh WMA

3/1/2026

6 birds

Bald Eagle

Cone Marsh WMA

3/1/2026

2 birds

Red-winged Blackbird

Cone Marsh WMA

3/1/2026

5 birds

Northern Cardinal

Cone Marsh WMA

3/1/2026

1 birds

American Wigeon

Cone Marsh WMA

2/28/2026

4 birds

Northern Pintail

Cone Marsh WMA

2/28/2026

6 birds

Hooded Merganser

Cone Marsh WMA

2/28/2026

6 birds

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
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 Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area?▼

Notable species at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area?▼

Birding at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area?▼

Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.