Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sunken Grove Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026Kiowa Marsh--Main Marsh2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

2/21/2026

Cackling Goose

2/21/2026

Canada Goose

2/21/2026

Trumpeter Swan

1202/21/2026

Gadwall

62/21/2026

American Wigeon

72/21/2026

Mallard

2/21/2026

Northern Pintail

2/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

22/21/2026

Common Merganser

12/21/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

22/21/2026

Bald Eagle

22/21/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Blue Jay

12/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/21/2026

European Starling

2/21/2026

American Robin

2/21/2026

Cedar Waxwing

182/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

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