Green Island Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Green Island Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and 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

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/4/2026Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area3 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/3/2026South Sabula Lakes Park1 observed

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

3/3/2026Wapello Land & Water Reserve1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/2/2026Bellevue SP1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Green Island WMA1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/1/2026Brown Residence (Private Property)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

20003/5/2026

Canada Goose

2503/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

903/5/2026

Tundra Swan

603/5/2026

Wood Duck

103/5/2026

Gadwall

503/5/2026

American Wigeon

123/5/2026

Mallard

2503/5/2026

Northern Pintail

803/5/2026

Mourning Dove

43/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

73/5/2026

Killdeer

53/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2003/5/2026

Northern Harrier

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

33/5/2026

Rough-legged Hawk

13/5/2026

Barred Owl

43/5/2026

Short-eared Owl

103/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Green Island Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Green Island Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Green Island Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Green Island Wildlife Management Area include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Gadwall. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Green Island Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Green Island Wildlife Management Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Green Island Wildlife Management Area?
Green Island Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.