Greenbelt Lake

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Greenbelt Lake is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Canvasback 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

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

3/5/2026Prairie Lakes Park1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

2/27/2026Irvine Prairie1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

2/26/2026George Wyth SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

123/4/2026

Mallard

153/4/2026

Canvasback

23/4/2026

Redhead

13/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

153/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

83/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

13/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

3/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Bufflehead

13/4/2026

American Crow

13/4/2026

Common Merganser

33/3/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/3/2026

American Kestrel

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Greenbelt Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Greenbelt Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Greenbelt Lake?
Notable species at Greenbelt Lake include Canada Goose, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Greenbelt Lake?
Birding at Greenbelt Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Greenbelt Lake?
Greenbelt Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.