The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Iowa · Midwest

EasyOfficial Site
Habitat
WetlandForestGrassland
Best Seasons
FallSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-November, April-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk, visitor center 9 AM - 4:30 PM

About This Location

DeSoto NWR straddles the Iowa-Nebraska border along the Missouri River, centered on an oxbow lake that draws massive concentrations of Snow Geese during fall migration. Peak flights in November can exceed 500,000 birds, creating one of the Midwest's greatest wildlife spectacles.

The refuge also supports excellent year-round birding, with nesting Wood Ducks, Prothonotary Warblers in the bottomland forest, and Bald Eagles that have made a strong comeback along the river corridor.

Location

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Notable Species

Snow GooseBald EagleAmerican White PelicanWood DuckProthonotary Warbler

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/4/2026Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area2 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

3/4/2026Kame1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

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

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/4/2026Silver Lake (Dickinson Co.)9 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

3/4/2026Home/Brandon- Buchanan Co.1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

3/3/2026Iron Bridge, Lime Creek, Brandon US-IA (42.3124,-91.9938)1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/2026Us bank1 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Big Creek SP1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Polk City Wildlife Area6 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/3/2026Otter Creek Marsh WMA--Red Barn area1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Lake Macbride SP3 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/20263. Cedar Rapids, IA, Riverwalk and Downtown1 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Brenton Feedlot (private property)4 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/3/2026Otter Creek Marsh WMA--North Observation Platform area2 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/3/2026South Sabula Lakes Park1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/3/2026South Sabula Lakes Park1 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

3/3/2026Myerwood Dr2 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

3/3/202625117 Myerwood Dr, Nevada US-IA 41.99163, -93.447422 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Lake Macbride--North Arm2 observed

Recent Observations

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Between Heady and Food Science

3/4/2026

1 birds

House Sparrow

Between Heady and Food Science

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

Between Heady and Food Science

3/4/2026

1 birds

Wild Turkey

Mehaffey Bridge Rd, North Liberty,

3/4/2026

14 birds

Hairy Woodpecker

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

2 birds

Bald Eagle

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

7 birds

Northern Cardinal

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-tailed Hawk

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

2 birds

Downy Woodpecker

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

1 birds

Canada Goose

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

6 birds

Dark-eyed Junco

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

5 birds

Killdeer

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

1 birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Crow

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

2 birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Mt. Auburn Bridge access

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-winged Blackbird

North Raccoon River Wildlife Area--Snyder Tract

3/4/2026

5 birds

Carolina Wren

North Raccoon River Wildlife Area--Snyder Tract

3/4/2026

1 birds

Northern Flicker

North Raccoon River Wildlife Area--Snyder Tract

3/4/2026

1 birds

Pileated Woodpecker

North Raccoon River Wildlife Area--Snyder Tract

3/4/2026

1 birds

Mallard

North Raccoon River Wildlife Area--Snyder Tract

3/4/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit in early November for peak Snow Goose numbers — the evening fly-in at sunset is unforgettable

  2. 2

    The visitor center has excellent exhibits and overlooks the lake

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Visitor Center
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Boyer Chute NWR
  • Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Birding Guides

Fall Migration Guide: Hawks, Sparrows, and More

10 min read

Best Places to See Bald Eagles in North America

11 min read

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

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 October-November, April-May. The best seasons are Fall and Spring.
What birds can I see at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Notable species at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Bald Eagle, American White Pelican, Wood Duck, Prothonotary Warbler. The area supports wetland, forest, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Birding at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?▼
There is no entrance fee at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk, visitor center 9 AM - 4:30 PM.
What amenities are available at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?▼
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.