Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and river/riparian habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/3/2026Otter Creek Marsh WMA--Red Barn area1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/3/2026Otter Creek Marsh WMA--North Observation Platform area2 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

2/28/2026Otter Creek Marsh WMA--North Observation Platform area1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026Otter Creek Marsh WMA--Red Barn area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

4003/1/2026

Canada Goose

11003/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

2303/1/2026

Wood Duck

13/1/2026

Gadwall

43/1/2026

Mallard

6053/1/2026

Northern Pintail

1103/1/2026

Redhead

23/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

113/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

83/1/2026

Bald Eagle

43/1/2026

American Crow

63/1/2026

European Starling

1203/1/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

23/1/2026

American Tree Sparrow

153/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

603/1/2026

Snow Goose

2/27/2026

Cackling Goose

82/27/2026

Green-winged Teal

82/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall. The area supports wetland, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area?
Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.