Coralville Lake - dam area

Iowa · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Coralville Lake - dam area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, and House Sparrow among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Ring-billed Gull Bald Eagle House Sparrow Northern Cardinal Canada Goose

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Lake Macbride SP3 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Scattergood Friends School, West Branch US-IA (41.6655,-91.3118)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Two Horse Farm1 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

2/27/2026Waterworks Prairie Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

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

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

2/26/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

2/21/20262532–2598 240th St NW, North Liberty US-IA 41.76013, -91.677341 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

602/27/2026

Bald Eagle

32/27/2026

House Sparrow

22/27/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/27/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
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 Coralville Lake - dam area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Coralville Lake - dam area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Coralville Lake - dam area?▼

Notable species at Coralville Lake - dam area include Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Canada Goose. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Coralville Lake - dam area?▼

Birding at Coralville Lake - dam area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Coralville Lake - dam area?▼

Coralville Lake - dam area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.