Lake Manawa

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Manawa is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Lesser Scaup 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

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

3/5/2026Walnut Creek RA1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/2026The Oaks1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

2/28/2026US-NE-Bellevue-15005 Bordeaux Ave - 41.0912x-95.91861 observed

Redpoll (Common)

Acanthis flammea

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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

2/26/2026Chalco Hills RA1 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

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

Canada Goose

2003/5/2026

Mallard

43/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

13/5/2026

Bufflehead

13/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

153/5/2026

Common Merganser

23/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/5/2026

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

303/5/2026

Bald Eagle

23/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

American Robin

53/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

62/26/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

12/26/2026

European Starling

2/26/2026

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