Sedan Bottoms Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sedan Bottoms Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

2/21/2026Rathbun Lake--Island View Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

100002/26/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

20002/26/2026

Canada Goose

802/26/2026

Trumpeter Swan

62/26/2026

Northern Shoveler

102/26/2026

Gadwall

62/26/2026

Mallard

5002/26/2026

Northern Pintail

10002/26/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

22/26/2026

Killdeer

32/26/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/26/2026

Bald Eagle

22/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/26/2026

American Kestrel

12/26/2026

American Crow

62/26/2026

Horned Lark

82/26/2026

Eastern Bluebird

22/26/2026

American Goldfinch

42/26/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

82/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

62/26/2026

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