Sugar Bottom WA

Iowa · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sugar Bottom WA is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, American White Pelican, and Bald Eagle 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

Ring-billed Gull American White Pelican Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Barred Owl

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/2026Us bank1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Lake Macbride SP3 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/20263. Cedar Rapids, IA, Riverwalk and Downtown1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Lake Macbride--North Arm2 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

3/3/2026Scattergood Friends School, West Branch US-IA (41.6655,-91.3118)1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/2/2026Us bank1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/2/2026Lake Macbride--North Arm1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/1/2026Lake Macbride--North Arm1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Two Horse Farm1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/20264020 Highway 382 Northeast, Solon, Iowa, US (41.821, -91.538)2 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Two Horse Farm12 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

2/27/2026Waterworks Prairie Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026Hawkeye WMA (general location)5 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/27/2026Lake Macbride SP2 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/27/2026Solon Recreation & Nature Area1 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

2/27/2026Hawkeye WMA--Sand Point1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

2/26/2026Terry Trueblood RA1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/24/2026Hwy 1 south of Solon1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/23/2026Amana--Lily Pond5 observed

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Iowa

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Missouri River refuge with spectacular fall Snow Goose migration and year-round birding.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Iowa with 274 recorded species.

Amana - Lily Pond

Lake birding hotspot in Iowa with 210 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sugar Bottom WA for birding?▼

The best months to visit Sugar Bottom WA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Sugar Bottom WA?▼

Notable species at Sugar Bottom WA include Ring-billed Gull, American White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Barred Owl. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Sugar Bottom WA?▼

Birding at Sugar Bottom WA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Sugar Bottom WA?▼

Sugar Bottom WA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.