Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, and Bufflehead 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

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/5/2026Koutny Pond/Hoffman Woods2 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

3/4/2026Home/Brandon- Buchanan Co.1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/2026Us bank1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/28/2026Pleasant Creek SRA (Linn Co.)1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

2/25/2026Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, Palo US-IA 42.12644, -91.819141 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

203/5/2026

Bufflehead

43/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

123/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

353/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/4/2026

Redhead

103/3/2026

Common Merganser

53/3/2026

Trumpeter Swan

23/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
Birding at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area?
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.