Sycamore Bottoms

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sycamore Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked Pheasant 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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/3/2026Lake Macbride SP3 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Two Horse Farm1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA3 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Cone Marsh WMA1 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

2/27/2026Waterworks Prairie Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

253/4/2026

Mallard

153/4/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

23/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

33/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

13/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

403/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

13/4/2026

American Crow

23/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/4/2026

Horned Lark

13/4/2026

European Starling

453/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Sycamore Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Sycamore Bottoms for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sycamore Bottoms?
Notable species at Sycamore Bottoms include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Pheasant, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sycamore Bottoms?
Birding at Sycamore Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sycamore Bottoms?
Sycamore Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.