Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Dark-eyed Junco 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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/5/2026Dale Maffitt Reservoir (Madison Co.)1 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Big Creek SP1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Saylorville Reservoir--Polk City Wildlife Area6 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

3/1/202610626–10652 NW 100th St, Granger US-IA 41.75530, -93.756043 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026Marsh Farm Wetland (private property)2 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Creston Ave4 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt--Chichaqua Bottoms Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

122/24/2026

Song Sparrow

12/24/2026

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 Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area?
Notable species at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area include Bald Eagle, Red-headed Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area?
Birding at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area?
Saylorville Reservoir - Cherry Glen Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.