Hitchcock Nature Center

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hitchcock Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Blue Jay 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

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/2026The Oaks1 observed

Redpoll (Common)

Acanthis flammea

2/28/2026Fontenelle Forest--Nature Center1 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

2/25/20267117 South 50th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, US (41.188, -95.992)1 observed

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

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/3/2026

Blue Jay

153/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

153/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/3/2026

American Robin

603/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

193/3/2026

House Finch

33/3/2026

American Goldfinch

23/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

303/3/2026

Snow Goose

352/28/2026

Canada Goose

82/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/28/2026

Purple Finch

22/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/28/2026

Trumpeter Swan

52/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Hitchcock Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Hitchcock Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hitchcock Nature Center?
Notable species at Hitchcock Nature Center include Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hitchcock Nature Center?
Birding at Hitchcock Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Hitchcock Nature Center?
Hitchcock Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.