DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

2/25/2026Fontenelle Park, Omaha US-NE 41.29611, -95.983121 observed

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

2/24/2026DeSoto NWR (NE)1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

2/21/2026My Yard [approximate location, 1996 to present], Omaha, NE1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

103/5/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

103/5/2026

Canada Goose

2003/5/2026

Mallard

503/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

33/5/2026

European Starling

153/5/2026

American Robin

53/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

103/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

253/5/2026

Gadwall

3/2/2026

Northern Pintail

3/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/2/2026

Common Merganser

3/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/2/2026

Northern Harrier

13/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

3/2/2026

American Crow

3/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

3/2/2026

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 DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.