Lake Macbride - North Arm

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Macbride - North Arm is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck 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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/6/2026Morfsylvania (private land)1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/6/2026Terry Trueblood RA3 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/2026Us bank1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Lake Macbride SP3 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Scattergood Friends School, West Branch US-IA (41.6655,-91.3118)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/2/2026Lake Macbride--North Arm1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Two Horse Farm1 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

2/27/2026Waterworks Prairie Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026Hawkeye WMA (general location)5 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

2/26/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

2/25/2026Roller Dam (S-Curve)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

803/5/2026

Canada Goose

1003/5/2026

Wood Duck

23/5/2026

Canvasback

13/5/2026

Redhead

83/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

503/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

1003/5/2026

Bufflehead

53/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

123/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

83/5/2026

Bald Eagle

33/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

93/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/5/2026

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