Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/2/2026Red Rock Reservoir--132nd Pl. overlook1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/2/2026Red Rock Reservoir--Marina Cove Recreation Area5 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/1/2026South Of Elk rock1 observed

Iceland Gull (thayeri/kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Red Rock Reservoir--Marina Cove Recreation Area1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Red Rock Reservoir--Marina Cove Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

7502/24/2026

Canada Goose

502/24/2026

Mallard

32/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1002/24/2026

Bald Eagle

192/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/24/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/24/2026

Blue Jay

42/24/2026

American Crow

22/24/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/24/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

52/24/2026

White-throated Sparrow

22/24/2026

American White Pelican

502/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/21/2026

American Robin

12/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

22/21/2026

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 Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) for birding?
The best months to visit Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)?
Notable species at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)?
Birding at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas)?
Red Rock Reservoir - below dam (North and South Tailwater, Ivan's, and Howell Station recreation areas) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.