Iowa Birds & Birding

A-26 begins west off Hwy. 26 about two miles from the Minnesota border in the extreme northeast corner of the county. In winter, Golden Eagles are possible in flight along the bluffs to the north for most of the length of A-26, as far west as Hwy. 76, or 13.5 miles.

From the town of McGregor, take Highway 76 north along the river about 5 miles.

In
the Sportsman's Atlas, page 12,   Find the far north west corner of
Lansing Wildlife.  This area is borders Iowa Township and Lansing
Township.  The Solitaire is on Cedar Hill Road.  

From the north, take Blackhawk
Road south, turn left on Pine Tree Drive, turn right onto Sand Cove
Road.  Sand Cove becomes Cedar Hill Road.  There are many cedar banks
in this area ( a couple miles). The one to look for is completely void of all
trees except cedars and this cedar bank comes right down to the road.

North of Harper’s Ferry in Allamakee Co. About 2.5 miles north of Harper’s Ferry along X-52/Great River Rd. turn right, as X-52 curves left, onto Red Oak Rd. Follow the narrow Red Oak Rd. upriver about 1.5 miles, and look for a cove where the swans gather.

A quarter mile West of 300th Ave on 590th St about 50 yards North of the road into the marsh. A map can be found on Iowabirds.org.

At Lake Rathbun in northwest Appanoose Co. At the south end of the dam (J5T), at the lake’s east end, take Island View Place where the Corps of Engineers Information Center is. Follow this winding road about two miles to the campground entrance. The best lake viewing is at the farthest reach of Ivory Circle, near campsites D-27, D-28.

In northwest Appanoose Co. For viewing above the dam, follow Island View Pl. off J5T, at the south end of the dam, where the Corps of Engineers Information Center is. Take the first road to the right, Indigo Circle, to its end at Dedication Point. Also, continue on Island View Place as it curves west, north, and west again, and look for Intaglio Place on your right. Follow Intaglio to the boat ramp at its end. At the north end of the dam, viewing is from the beach area.

DEAN POOL (#7): Take Hwy. 202 south out of Moulton two miles to 570th on your right, as 202 curves left. Take 570th two miles west to 300th, and go south on 300th two miles to 590th. Follow 590th west a half mile to the pool. TO BUCKSHOT LAKE (#4): Return east to 300th, and north two miles to 570th. Turn west and Buckshot Lake is soon along here, on the south side. TO SEDAN POOL (#2): Continue on 570th, which now turns north and becomes 290th, about 1.5 miles to 555th. This includes two jogs left along the way, the first one fairly quickly, the second one a mile after this, at 296th--which you do NOT take. Soon after this second jog left, again going north, get onto 555th going west (left). Short of a mile west on 555th, take the diagonal southwest road on your left, 285th. Follow this 1.5 miles to the unmarked, cement parking area on your left, at a bend. The pool is seen out at the treeline; it can be approached on foot.

In northern Benton Co. From I-380 exit no. 41 at Urbana, take Hwy. 150 west and then south almost ten miles to the entrance on your right (west). Alternately, out of Vinton, take Hwy. 150 north less than two miles to the entrance on your left. Soon into the entrance, around a leftward bend, come to a boat launch and dike. The usual woods walk is to head straight west over the dike. Another long walk begins at the end of the entrance road, at its south end, and skirts the area beginning west and continuing northwest. The beginning of this walk is sometimes shallowly flooded.

A .pdf map of the area is found at:

http://www.state.ia.us/government/dnr/organiza/fwb/wildlife/maps/dudgeo~1.pdf

In Waterloo, Black Hawk Co. The park is along U.S. 218 just east of its meeting with Hwy. 58, on the north edge of the Cedar Falls-Waterloo area. U.S. 218 is well-marked for finding the park. Once in the park, turn left and follow the road as it skirts the first lake (George Wyth) and continue as far west as possible including eventually a sharp curve leftward, taking you back east. During this curve, look for the sign to Alice Wyth lake on your right. Follow that road to its end.

In Waterloo, Black Hawk Co. The park is along U.S. 218 just east of its meeting with Hwy. 58, on the north edge of the Cedar Falls-Waterloo area. U.S. 218 is well-marked for finding the park. Once in the park, turn left and follow the road as it skirts the first lake and continue west until you are paralleling the long, narrow Fisher Lake on your left. There are several parking areas here. Continue west, eventually following a sharp curve leftward, taking you back east. This affords more viewing of Fisher Lake.

In Waterloo, Black Hawk Co. The park is along U.S. 218 just east of its meeting with Hwy. 58, on the north edge of the Cedar Falls-Waterloo area. U.S. 218 is well-marked for finding the park. See separate entries for Alice Wyth Lake, Fisher Lake, George Wyth Lake, and "George Wyth S.P., Northern Saw-whet Owl."

In the city of Cedar Falls: Take Rainbow Dr. to Edwards Ave. and turn north. At the intersection with Greenwood Ave, turn east. At the intersection with Reserve Dr, turn north again, and you are at the park.

From Highway 30, turn south on County Rd R18. Take R18 to 250th St and turn left. Stay on 250th St until it turns into 252nd Lane. The marsh is on the right side of the road once you have traveled about 2 miles through some heavy timber.

Along Highway 17 2 miles south of Highway 30.

From Highway 17, go west on Highway E52 three miles to park entrance.  Or, from this entrance, turn south on P Avenue, staying on the paved road to a south entrance.

north of Boone in Boone Co. Take R-21/Nature Rd. about 2.5 miles north from the north edge of Boone to 166th Dr. on your left (west). Follow the winding 166th 2.5 miles to the camp.

Just south of the town of Peterson: Take US 71 south out of Spencer for about 15 miles until you reach the intersection with State Highway 10. Turn west on 10 and go about 10 miles into Peterson. Continue west through Peterson about a mile to 110th Ave. Turn south on 110th and go another mile to South River Road. This road will travel east and then south for about 4 miles to the park.

In southern Butler Co. Go north on Hwy. 14 out of Parkersburg about five miles to C-51. Take C-51 west three miles to Jay Ave., then north on Jay one mile to 260th St. Follow 260th east into the marsh area. At the east end of 260th, where it turns left, there are dike walks straight ahead (east) and to the right (south). There is also parking for the north-south dike walk off of C-51, just east of the HQ building, 1.5 miles either way from Jay Ave. or from Hwy. 14. SHORT-EARED OWL FIELDS: Drive one mile north on Jay from 260th and where 260th turns right, instead take the B-maintenance road, which starts zig-zagging west and north. When it straightens out and becomes 245th, the DNR parking lot is about one mile west. There are fields the whole length of the B-maintenance road; all those to the south are public, up to roughly across from the parking area; about the first half mile on the north side, going west, is private--generally, look for DNR signs.

in a field to the south of 110th between Mahogany and Hwy 71

- in Swan Lake S.P., at the southeast edge of Carroll in central Carroll Co.

Just north on Main St/White Pole Rd outside of Anita.

just outside Mason City in Cerro Gordo Co. To find the sod farm take U.S. 65 north out of Mason City. A little more than a mile past Lime Creek Conservation Area, immediately after crossing a bridge over a creek, turn right (east) on 310th St. After about one half mile you will cross railroad tracks, and the sod farm is on your left.

On the western half of the south shore of Clear Lake. Along B-35, 1.5 miles east of Balsam Ave., or 1/2 mile west of Dogwood Ave., take Cedar Ave. about 1/3 mile to the access at the lake. Walking the shore, Farmer's Beach is about 1/4 mile west, and Lone Tree Pt. another 1/4 mile beyond this.

On the southeast shore of Clear Lake. Along B-35, either 0.7 miles east of Evergreen Ave. or 1/4 mile west of Finch Ave., follow South Shore Dr. northwest past several streets mostly with tree names. After Hill St. come to Elm St. and turn right, toward the lake. At the access is a raised platform, on a bluff, for scoping the lake.

At the far west end of Clear Lake. Viewing is to the west from S-14/Main St., one half mile south of U.S. 18 at Ventura.

In western Cerro Gordo Co. (private property, viewable from road). From I-35, take the B-43 exit five miles west to Dogwood, or from S-14, take B-43 two miles east to Dogwood. The pond is north on Dogwood less than one mile, on the west side.

- at the north edge of Mason City in Cerro Gordo Co. Take U.S. 65 north and look for signs to the park on the east.

- on the western north shore of Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo Co. A little more than five miles west along U.S. 18 from I-35, take Cardinal Ave. south one half mile to Lake St. and look for the sign to the area.

In Mason City, Cerro Gordo Co. One half mile north of U.S. 18 along U.S. 65, go west on 1st St. NW just past the railroad yard to Jackson Ave. and the park.

- just north outside Mason City in Cerro Gordo Co. Follow U.S. 65 north out of town, and past Lime Creek Conservation Area look for B-20/300th St. to the right (east). Go east on B-20 and quickly come to Spring Park on your right.

In the northwest corner of Cerro Gordo Co., 5.5 miles west of I-35 along B-20.

just southeast of Mason City in Cerro Gordo Co. Birch Dr. is two miles east of U.S. 65 along Hwy. 122 out of Mason City, on the south side of the road.

- in central Cherokee Co., just west of Cherokee on C-38 (Main St. in town).

in southern Clay Co. From the intersection of U.S. 71 and Hwy. 10, just north of the Buena Vista. Co. border, take 500th east a little under three miles to the parking area.

In northeastern Clay Co. About half a mile west of Ruthven (Palo Alto Co.) along U.S. 18, take N-18 north 4.5 miles into the complex.

- in northeastern Clay Co. 3.5 miles west along U.S. 18 out of Ruthven, take N-14 about four miles north to 310th. Follow 310th east (right) more than one half mile to a T-intersection at the lake. The road here parallels the lake shore in either direction about one half mile.

- just west outside the town of Goose Lake in northern Clinton Co. Two miles west of town, go north on 350th less than one half mile to the entrance road on your right, and walk the dike which bisects the lake.

South of Dallas Center on R16 then west on Palo Cir/260th St for 1.3 miles

On the west side of Xavier Ave. across from Brenton Slough. This is just to the south and west of Granger. From Highway 141, turn left on Xavier and proceed about 1.5 miles to a bridge that crosses Beaver Creek. Brenton Slough is on the east side and Ingersoll Slough is on the west side.

From the town of Minburn, take Baker St, to 187th Rd west about 2 miles. The nature area is on the right.

I-35 south to exit 4 (Lamoni), then turn right (west).   Go about 3 miles and turn left on S. Smith St.    Go one mile and turn right on gravel road next to golf course.    1/2 mile will be sewer lagoons.

From Lamoni, take Highway 69 east about 8 miles until you get to County Road J66. Turn south and go about 5 miles.

North of Burlington in Des Moines Co. FROM THE SOUTH: Just north of the 9-mile marker on Hwy. 99, or 1.5 miles north of Stony Hollow Rd./155th St., take 170th St. east. Proceed two miles to 40th Ave., then one mile north on 40th to 180th St., and finally two miles east on 180th to the landing. FROM THE NORTH: 170th St. is 3.5 miles south of Kingston along Hwy. 99, then as above.

This area is at the intersection of County Rd 99 and Pumping Station Rd.

Arnold's Park cemetary is located about 2 blocks north of the entrance to
Arnold's Park Amusement Park on Highway 71. Or, 1 block south of the junction of Broadway Street and Highway 71. The cemetary lies along the east side of Highway 71.

on the west shore of Spirit Lake in northern Dickinson Co. This point is about three miles north on Hwy. 276 from the south end of the lake, or 1.5 miles south on 276 from Jackson Co. Rd. 2 (Minn.), and adjacent to East Hottes Lake.

From the town of Estherville, take Highway 9 west to the town of Superior. In Superior, turn north on 1st St. 1st St heads out of town and turns to the right briefly before becoming 330th Ave northbound. Take 330th Ave north to the slough.

a half mile east of the intersection of 320th Ave and 185th St. This is 3.5 miles south of Superior.

near the junction of 300th Ave and 200th St. One was on a pole about 1/4 mile west of the junction and the other was about 1/3 mile west of the junction and out on a knoll north of 200th st. 200th street is A-31 blacktop that runs east and west.

From the town of Estherville: Take state Highway 9 west to the town of Superior. Continue west through Superior, and Highway 9 and US 71 merge. Take 9/71 into the town of Spirit Lake. To view the north end of the lake, turn north at the intersection of 71/9 and Hill Ave. Continue north on Hill Ave. until it turns into Orleans Pkwy. Continue north until you hit a T-intersection with South Lake Shore Dr. (M-49) Take a right at the T-intersection until you reach the intersection with M-56. Take a right on M-56, and you can view much of the north end of the lake from this road.

From the junction of A-34 and Hiway 71 in Milford go east on 220th Street or
A-34 for 6 miles to 280th ave. Go 1 mile south to the junction of 230th
street and 280th avenue. The snowy owl was spotted on this street junction
sign. When it was first reported it was seen on a corncrib that was situated
along the road just north of this juncture. It was last seen on a fence post
about 1/4 mile SE of this juncture.

In the southwest corner of West Okoboji Lake in northern Dickinson Co. One half mile north of Milford, take Hwy. 83 west and north 2.5 miles to 200th St. Follow 200th east to the boat ramp.

"The grade" - at the western end of the north shore of Spirit Lake in northern Dickinson Co. Just east of Hwy. 276 along Jackson Co. Rd. 2 (Minn.), check the small bay and the rock jetty.

Northeast of Milford in northeast Dickinson Co. Out of Milford, take A-34 east three miles from U.S. 71, to 250th Ave. Proceed north on 250th two miles to a sharp left turn, 202nd St. The parking area for the tract is at this bend; the tract is the large one to the east.

- on the southeast shore of Spirit Lake in northern Dickinson Co., north of Orleans along Hwy. 327.

In northern Dickinson Co. Near Montgomery, take Hwy. 86 three miles north from Hwy. 9 to 120th St. Proceed east on 120th about 3/4 mile to one parking area on the north. Also continue east to 215th Ave., and north on 215th about 1/3 mile to another parking area on the west. Continue north to just past 110th St., where there is a small body of water and a parking area on the east.

- at the northeast corner of Spirit Lake in northern Dickinson Co. Follow Hwy. 327 north about 3.5 miles from Orleans to the slough, on the east side of the highway.

- at the east end of the isthmus (Hwy. 327), which is just north of the town of Spirit Lake, between East Okoboji Lake and Spirit Lake in northern Dickinson Co.

In the northwest corner of Spirit Lake in northern Dickinson Co. The beach is about 3.5 miles north on Hwy. 276 from the south end of the lake, or one half mile south on 276 from Jackson Co. Rd. 2 (Minn.).

Northeast of Milford in northeast Dickinson Co. See separate listings for Bartley Tract, Krummen Tract, Prairie Lake, Reiter-Lair W.A., and Wolthius Tract.

Northeast of Milford in northeast Dickinson Co. Out of Milford, take A-34 east four miles to M-56/260th Ave. Proceed north on M-56 three miles to 190th St., and continue north 1/4 mile to the parking area on the west side of the road.

in north-central Dickinson Co. Follow Hwy. 86 north from Hwy. 9 two miles to 130th St. Welch Lake is one half mile east on 130th.

Northeast of Milford in northeast Dickinson Co. Out of Milford, take A-34 east three miles from U.S. 71, to 250th Ave. Proceed north on 250th two miles to a sharp left turn, 202nd St. The tract is on the south side along 202nd, just after the turn, past the Krummen Tract parking area.

In the southwest corner of Emmet Co. Two miles south of Wallingford along Hwy. 4, take 250th St. west 4.5 miles to the lake.

A traditional spot for CWWi. At the northwest edge of Waubonsie S.P. in southwest Fremont Co. is the intersection of Hwy. 2 and L-44/Bluff Rd. Proceed north on L-44 slightly over one mile to 270th Ave. on your right. Take 270th, and after about 1/4 mile it bends strongly left. You will see a conspicuous, large new house up on a hillside overlooking a sloping field alongside the road. Park along here at dusk and listen.

In the northwest corner of Fremont Co., take the Tabor exit (J-10) going east off of I-29. Almost immediatley turn south on Western Ave., just under three miles to 135th St. going east. 135th runs close along the south shore of Forney Lake, and the water is easily scoped. If you continue east, the first crossroad at the end of the lake is L-44/Bluff Rd. Turning north, there are two parking areas along L-44 at the east end of the wetland.

To get to Green Hollow WA go east out of Thurman, turn north at Plum Creek Road (J18) go maybe a mile and turn north on Cemetery Road. the road will turn west and then back to the north , this is where you should start to listen for the Chucks. Green hollow is on the west side of the road about one mile down the road.  

In southwestern Fremont Co. Take Hwy. 2 east from I-29 for 2.5 miles to 240th Ave., a dirt road. Proceed north on 240th two miles to Secret Lake. There's no approach to the lake not involving dirt roads.

From the town of Riverton, take Highway 2 west about 10 miles.

In southwestern Greene Co. From Hwy. 25 in southwestern Greene Co., go three miles west on E-57/290th St., seen on the Iowa highway map, to B Ave. Go north on B, and the Hunter Tract of the wetland is on the west side. After one half mile, just past two east-west dikes, the Hunter Tract wetland broadens out to the west. The very closest viewing is reached by a long hike from the parking area found back along E-57, west of B Ave.; walk the road from here north and then west. In addition to the above, driving north another two miles or so to the end of B Ave. affords more south Dunbar Slough birding.

- in southeastern Greene Co. Take W Ave./P-46 less than two miles north out of Rippey to 270th St., where the marsh is just east. Parking is on the east side of the marsh.

About 3 miles northeast of Panora. From Panora, take Highway 44 east to Willow Ave. Turn north and go about 2.5 miles to the lake.

In northwest Guthrie Co. Northwest of Guthrie Center, follow F-32, seen on the Iowa highway map, eight miles west from N-70 to N-46/Chesnut Rd. Proceed 2.5 miles north to 165th St., and east about half a mile to the north entrance.

In northeast Guthrie County. From its intersection with 1st Ave./Hwy. 144, at the south edge of Perry, take Hwy. 141 ten miles west to P-30/Quest Ave. Take P-30 south two miles to 140th St. and turn left (east) one half mile to the marsh.

In southwestern Hamilton Co., at the Boone Co. border, one mile west of Hwy. 17, although there is no road directly west to the marsh from 17. FROM THE SOUTH in Boone Co., take Hwy. 17 north two miles past E-18/130th St. to 110th St. Proceed west one mile on 110th to S Ave., and then one mile north to the marsh. FROM THE NORTH in Hamilton Co., take Hwy. 17 south four miles out of Stanhope to 390th St. Proceed one mile west on 390th to Inkpaduta Rd., and then one mile south to the marsh.

In southern Webster City: Take Highway 17 to Ohio St., and turn west. The cemetary is on the south side of the road. The address is 1000 Ohio St.

From Highway 69, turn west on County Road B30. Take B30 for about 5 miles to Lake Road and turn south.

From Interstate 35, take the Highway 9 exit (Manly/Forest City) and turn west. Take highway 9 to 210th Ave. and turn south. There are signs to guide you.

- in Hardin Co. Meier W.R. is about one mile west of Hubbard along Hwy. 175, right along the south side of the road.

In Iowa Falls: Take Oak St. (Highway 65)north to the intersection with North St. Turn left on North St all the way to the T-Intersection with River St. Turn right on River St, and go about 600 ft to the intersection with Siloam Ave. Turn left on Siloam Ave and travel about 500 ft. The cemetery is on the left side of the road.

From Mt. Pleasant: Take US Highway 218 south to county road J20. Take J20 eastbound, and the road goes through the park.

If you take Ida County Hwy. 31 also called Quail Ave north of Arthur, Iowa for 2.5 miles, then turn west on 230th street for .6 miles.

In northeast Iowa Co., just west of Amana. North side viewing: In Amana, follow Hwy. 220 west for 3/4 of a mile from U.S. 151, and the lake and its parking area are seen on the south side of the road. South side viewing: continue west on Hwy. 220 a little more than one half mile to H St., and turn left. Entering a residential section, follow H to its end at 32nd Ave. Turn right on 32nd and park at the end of the street, in front of some houses. Walk through the clump of trees ahead and turn left onto the sidewalk which circles the lake. At first you'll be walking along a marshy inlet, and then to the main water.

From CR F67 in southeast Iowa County, take S Ave. south about
1.5 miles to where it intersects Keokuk-Iowa Rd. to the west.  There is a
parking lot directly east of the intersection, from which the main body of
the marsh to the east may be viewed.

A privately owned prairie restoration in southwest Iowa Co., open to public birding. Take the Ladora/Millersburg exit no. 211 off I-80. Go south on V-52 about 5 miles to 265th St. Turn left (east) on 265th and go slightly less than one mile until it ends at I Ave. Turn left (north) on I Ave. and after about a mile look for the gray pole barn and parking area on your left, address no. 2549. Enter the east property on foot across from the parking area. Henslow's Sparrows are regularly found throughout the grassland here.

At the Mississippi River in southeast Jackson Co. Along U.S. 52, four miles south of Z-34, or 1.5 miles north of Z-40, is Green Island Rd. going northeast toward the river. A half mile or more along curving Green Island Rd., pass through the tiny settlement of Green Island, cross the tracks, and note the first DNR road heading north on your left, with a sign; this road is best ignored. Continue 1.5 miles to the second northbound road. On its east side is continuous wetland. It ends with parking at a large pond/marsh. Walk a few yards back up the road, past the inlet, to a two-rut trail leading east for closer viewing. Back at Green Island Rd., continue one mile east to a large parking area on your left, overlooking an extensive wetland, Blake's Lake, with a dike to the west. Drive the lane going east from the parking area itself, bear left at the fork, and come to a parking area for another dike, with viewing from the east.

From Newton, take Highway 6 east about 5 miles to the intersection with Highway 224. Turn north on 224 another 5 miles until you get to CR F27. Turn right for about 3 miles and you are at the park.

On the upper Coralville Reservoir, Hawkeye W.A., northwest Johnson Co. A few miles north of I-80, take the North Liberty/F-28 exit off I-380. Go west on  F-28 about 3.5 miles to Greencastle Ave. Take Greencastle 1.5 miles north to Swan Lake Rd., just after a pond on your right. Turn right (east) on Swan Lake, a B-level road here, one half mile to the Babcock entrance road on your left. Follow this to its end at a small peninsula parking area.

Ciha Fen, a recent Johnson County Conservation Board acquisition in the far NE corner of Johnson Co.  It is an 80 acre property of botanical and geological interest, containing on of only 2 nutrient poor fens in the state of Iowa.  It is underbirded.
From Iowa City, take Hgw 1 n, through Solon, continuing ~1.5 mile 145th St. [or come S from Mt Vernon on Hgw 1 for 4.25 mile]  Go East for 6.45 mile.  The road appears to change names.  You will come to and cross the new Sutliff Br.  At this point Lisbon Road continue N and White Oak Ave goes S.  Take White Oak Ave S, past Sutliff, for a total of 2.37 miles.  Go E for a bit less than 1.5 miles.  there will be assign, a small parking area and a gate on the N side of the road.  Do not block the gate on weekdays when the JCCB crews may need to get in.  This is the SE corner of the property.  The Ciha Fen property is divided roughly in half by an E-W fence.  There is a gate at the W border to enter the N 40.

from the Swisher/Shueyville exit of I380, take CR F12 east about 5 miles until it ends at CR W6E or Ely Rd. Go south on Ely Rd about a mile, then turn right on 140th St. Go west on 140th St .5 miles to a gravel field driveway on the north side of the road. Just NW of the ATV Park Park there and walk North Northeast about 250 paces to a large oval shaped semi open area surrounded by large willows with dense green ground cover about 12 to 18 inches high and a half inch of standing water.

South of North Liberty in Johnson Co. ABOVE THE DAM(beach): Two miles north of I-80 along Dubuque St. (an Iowa City exit), or 2.5 miles south of North Liberty along Dubuque St., look for the Army Corps of Engineers sign to the dam on the east. From there follow the signs for the beach area. MORE VIEWING: At one point you have a choice of heading toward the beach/dam area (right) or the campground (left); the campground also affords viewing of the reservoir.

At Lake Macbride, north of North Liberty in Johnson Co. Follow F-28 off I-380 into and through North Liberty. Turn north at Front St. in North Liberty and continue following F-28 about 4.5 miles to Cottage Reserve Rd., just over the causeway. Turn left on Cottage Reserve, and then take the next left and follow this road to Cottage Reserve Woods at its end, at the boat launch. There is a short lane on your right leading to the woods trail.

In southwest Johnson Co. Take Hwy. 1 about eight miles west from U.S. 218 near Iowa City. The parking lot is on the north side right where Hwy. 1 bends due south. The basic walk is a wide trail that simply goes straight north into the park, ultimately to a tract of woods. In the woods you eventually come to a bridge at a stream; along the woods walk there are side spurs on the right worth walking. There are another couple of trails across the bridge and to the right which are less neatly defined.

At Coralville Reservoir, Hawkeye W.A., in northwest Johnson Co. A few miles north of I-80, take the North Liberty/F-28 exit off I-380. Go west on F-28 about 3.5 miles to Greencastle Ave. Take Greencastle two miles north, crossing Swan Lake Rd. just after a pond on your right, until you’re on the dike. SHOREBIRDS: In season there is usually a population or two that can be scoped from the road, to the east. Depending on conditions, you can often leave the road and walk east for a stretch to see more pockets of shorebirds--start just north of the inlet that reaches to the road. Also, with correct water levels on the west side, shorebirds often congregate along the far shore of the bay to your right. You can walk closer to them along the north shoreline, and a little farther west through the grass here is a second inlet with shorebird habitat. In all cases, boots are recommended.

In Iowa City. The park is entered on Conklin Ave., to the left of St. Joseph’s Cemetery along N. Dodge. St., across from the Hy-Vee, northeast part of town, and about one mile off the Dodge St./Hwy. 1 exit from I-80. A detailed map of Hickory Hill Park's trails is found at:

http://www.jccniowa.org/~icbc/hhp/hhp2x10in100k.jpg

At the upper Coralville Reservoir in Hawkeye W.A., northwest Johnson Co. A few miles north of I-80, take the North Liberty/F-28 exit off I-380. Go west on F-28 to the first road, James Ave., and take this north 2.5 miles, including a very slight jog to the right at Swan Lake Rd., until it makes a sharp right turn. Park along here and walk the dirt lane, starting at the "Refuge Now Open" sign, west toward the reservoir. The shoreline can also be approached at the end of James, by continuing another mile.

In northwest Johnson Co., three miles west of Tiffin along U.S. 6, entrance on the north side. There is a loop road around the entire park. The road as it enters the northwest part of the park is closed in winter, though the park may still be walked here. See map at:

http://www.johnson-county.com/conservation/pdf/KentParkMap.pdf

North of North Liberty in Johnson Co. Follow F-28 off I-380 into and through North Liberty. Turn north at Front St. in North Liberty and continue following F-28 about 4.5 miles to Cottage Reserve Rd., just over the causeway. Turn left on Cottage Reserve, proceed and then take the first right. Follow this road all the way around to the boat launch on the lake. See also Lake Macbride, north arm, Opie Rd.

from exit #4 off I-380. Proceed west on F-28
about 7 3/4 mi. Go right on gravel Cemetery Rd. Follow Cemetery Rd.
about one mile. Turn right on Swan Lake Rd. This is not marked as
such, but there is a small sign that says " Wildlife Restoration."
Proceed about one mile to a 'T' intersection. Go right about 1/4 mile
to a parking lot on the right. Walk west ( right ) down into a
vegetated swale and follow to the pond.

In southwest Johnson Co. From U.S. 218 near Iowa City take Hwy. 1 west less than four miles to  F-52/Black Diamond Rd., on your right. Take F-52 about 3.5 miles west to the Redbird parking area on your right, just past Hazelwood Ave. Across the road is a field tract, which is also part of Redbird. Shortly south of the parking area there, along the trail, is a marshy pond which can be productive when wet.

From I-380, turn west on F-28 until you get to Greencastle Ave. Go north on Greencastle and turn west at the first 4-way intersection. This intersection is near the Gun Club Ponds. Go west and Round Pond will be on the north side just past the power lines.

- on the lower Coralville Reservoir north of North Liberty in Johnson Co. Take the Shueyville exit east off I-380. After about a mile turn south on Sandy Beach Rd. in Shueyville and follow this winding road, paying attention to the signs, a little more than four miles to viewing of the reservoir.

Just west of Solon in northeast Johnson Co. IF COMING FROM HWY.1 - turn west on Hwy. 382, Main St. in Solon, and follow it west to the west edge of town, where there is a fork. At this point follow Main St. slightly to the left, rather than 382 slightly to the right. Quickly come to a T-intersection, Chabal St., and turn left (south). Come soon to another T-intersection, Sovers St., and turn right (west). The trailhead is at the first bend left (south), where there is a church in front of you, and a high school field to the right. IF COMING FROM NORTH OF LAKE MACBRIDE and west of Solon along Hwy. 382, look for Chabal St. on your right just at the west edge of Solon; then as above. IF COMING FROM THE LAKE MACBRIDE AREA - take Mahaffey Bridge Rd. north to 180th St., and then take 180th east (right), along the south shore of the lake's north arm, 1.7 miles to Racine Rd. Turn left (north) on Racine, and the trailhead is at the first bend to the right, where the church is.

In the lower Coralville Reservoir area, northeast of North Liberty in Johnson Co. Follow F-28 off I-380 into and almost through North Liberty. Turn north at Front St. and continue following F-28 about three miles to the Sugar Bottom entrance, immediately past the first causeway and on your right. There is often gull viewing on the reservoir at the campground's beach area, when it is open.

In Hawkeye W.A. in northwest Johnson Co. A few miles north of I-80, take the North Liberty/F-28 exit off I-380. Go west on F-28 to the first road, James Ave., and take this 1.5  miles north to Swan Lake Rd. Go west on Swan Lake one mile to the lake.

South of North Liberty in Johnson Co. ABOVE THE DAM(beach): Two miles north of I-80 along Dubuque St. (an Iowa City exit), or 2.5 miles south of North Liberty along Dubuque St., look for the Army Corps of Engineers sign to the dam on the east. From there follow the signs for the beach area. MORE VIEWING: At one point you have a choice of heading toward the beach/dam area (right) or the campground (left); the campground also affords viewing of the reservoir.

In the extreme northeast corner of Keokuk Co. Seven miles east from North English in Iowa Co., along F-67, take S Ave. south two miles, including turns, to the parking area on your left. From the Iowa City area, take Hwy. 1 west and southwest as if to Kalona. About eleven miles along from U.S. 218 take 540th/F-67 west twelve miles to S Ave. Take S Ave. south two miles, including turns, to the parking area on your left. As the summer wears on, the grass leading to the water gets extremely high.

From Algona: Go
north from Algona on Hwy 169 to blacktop B14 north of Burt. Go west a
half mile, and then north again. Bobolink is all along the west side of
that first mile of gravel.

The parking lot for Eagle Lake WA is located about 1.5 miles north of the
intersection of county roads A21 and P20 in northwestern Kossuth.

In the town of Algona, take Highway 169 to East Oak St and turn east. Go on East Oak St until you get to the intersection with North Phillips St. Turn north on North Phillips and continue to the cemetery. The entrance is at the intersection of North Phillips St and East Pine St.

East side of P60/190th Ave between 170th and 180th St. If you're looking for SMLO, this year's new planting is at the corner of 200th Ave and 180th St.

the field at 120th Ave. and 270th St between Algona and Burt.

In western Lee Co. Out of Donnellson take U.S. 218 south two miles and continue south on Hwy. 394, the road to Argyle, where 218 bends southeast; 5.5 miles from this point enter Argyle and turn west on 295th St., where there is an old wooden church. Go two miles west including the transition from 295th to Belfast Rd. Soon there will be a sharp turn right, and at the following sharp turn left is the junkyard area where the wrens have been found.

In western Lee Co. The entrance is 5.5 miles west of U.S. 218 along Hwy. 2, north side of the road. Stop at the first picnic area you come to on the right side of the entrance road. Walking back along the road itself and listening is often productive, particularly for Hooded Warbler. There is also a trail at the far edge of the picnic area, from along which many good birds are reported. The trail soon loops back to the picnic area if you turn left near the footbridge. A .pdf map is available at
http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/wmamaps/donnellson.pdf

In eastern Lee County. Three miles either north of Ft. Madison or south of Wever, take J-50/190th St. east from U.S. 61 for two miles, past the railroad tracks, to 355th Ave. Follow 355th south about one mile to the marsh at left (east).

US Hwy 218 into town. Turn right (southwest) on S. 2nd Street, go one block, then left (southeast) on Johnson Street for about three blocks to Mississippi Drive. Follow Mississippi Drive southwest to near its end where a boat access area is found.

Off U.S. 61/Hwy. 2, follow 20th St. to its end at the river. This is a standard Ft. Madison birding stop with no known prohibition against scoping from this location. If sun angle is a problem, return to U.S. 61, proceed upriver and cross the bridge into Illinois at Hwy. 2/Ill. 9. Take Ill. 96 downriver through Niota, and at the first bend leftward, leave 96 and continue on the gravel road straight ahead. Soon take your first right, another gravel road, and scope the backwater directly along the road (Illinois birds). Continue from here looking for places to scope the river itself through small clearings in the trees (a bit tricky).

Across from Montrose, Ia. (Lee Co.) Follow Illinois Hwy. 96 into town (Mulholland Ave. if coming from the north) When you come to the Mormon Temple, continue straight west on Mulholland (or if arriving from the south, turn left at the temple), past Partridge St. to Main St. (1): Turn right on Main and proceed to the next street, Young St. Turn left, toward the river, and continue to the pump station at the end. Walk around the right side of the station for river scoping. (2): Return to Main and continue upriver. At the edge of town, Main becomes N. Sycamore Haven Dr. Continue and you very quickly come to a boat launch that allows a good viewing point. (3): Continuing upriver on Sycamore Haven affords more viewing; the narrow shoulder only allows a few chances for parking, but the road is lightly traveled. Once cottages begin to appear along the river side of the road, there is no more viewing. The easiest return to Hwy. 96 is to drive back into Nauvoo.

This marsh is in the town of Montrose just off US Highway 61.

In Cedar Rapids: Take I-380 to eastbound Highway 100. Go east on Highway 100 about 3 miles until you reach the intersection with Highway 151. Turn south on 151 for about a mile, and the cemetery is on the west side of the road.

Go to Cedar Rapids on highway 380 and take the Diagonal Drive exit. Continue on Diagonal Drive, which turns into 8th avenue, which turns into Mount Vernon Road. Continue going east on Mount Vernon Road until you get to Bertram Road with "A Touch of Class" convention center and an Indian Creek Nature Center sign on the right. Turn right onto Bertram road and then drive across a large blue bridge. Continue along Bertram Road until you reach the Nature Center parking lot at the intersection of Bertram and Otis Roads.

a few miles NE of Center Point on the 16th. The owl was 100 yards from the road in a stubble field. The field is on the east side of Fairchild Rd., 4/10 mile north of Hannen Rd.

- on the west edge of Cedar Rapids in Linn Co. About 4.5 miles west on U.S. 30 from I-380, take Stony Point Rd. less than three miles north to Worcester Rd. Turn left (west) on Worcester to the park.

In western Linn Co, ten miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. For all points except the south section of the lake: From Blair’s Ferry Rd. at the north edge of Palo, take Palo Marsh Rd./W-36 three miles north to the park entrance road on the left (west). The drive you come to skirting the lake does not completely circle the lake. Turning left it will end at some jetties and boat launches, on the south shore (the lakeside pines with owl sightings are reached from the parking area here), and to the right it will end in the campground, which is actually away from the north shore, and without scoping possibilities. However, look for a lefthand turnoff just before the campground, at the top of a rise, which leads to good viewing of the lake and of an inlet. Probably the most consistently fruitful waterfowl viewing is from the shelter area near the dam, just after you turn right onto the road skirting the lakeshore.

About three miles east of Cedar Rapids. The park's north entrance is one half mile west on Hwy. 100 from Hwy. 13, and shown on the Cedar Rapids inset on the state highway map. Enter and soon take the first right turn, and then very quickly another right turn, and follow this road to various birding spots throughout the park. After paralleling Hwy. 100 for a stretch, in winding fashion past grasslands, the road turns sharply left away from the highway, and soon you come to the parking lot in front of the lodge. Here the road becomes a loop, and can be taken in either direction to various parking areas and trails.