Riverside Rd offers views of the south side of the island that attracts a variety of shorebirds as well as the Mississippi channel where diving ducks can be seen.
Spring- Sora, Virginia Rail, Shorebirds
Summer- Sandhill Crane, Least Bittern, Prothonotary Warbler, Marsh Wren
Fall/Winter- Long-Tailed Duck, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, White-Winged Scoter, Gulls
Official name is now the Little Maquoketa River Delta, but the site has long been known as Deere Dike. Trails affording good views of marshy wetlands and open river. Over 200 species have been recorded here. Target species include waterfowl and shorebirds during spring and fall migration and wetland passerines during the breeding season.
Take Central Ave (SR 3) north through Dubuque. Turn right on E. 32nd Street, which becomes Peru Road. Follow Peru Road for 2.2 miles until it junctions with Riverside Road. Take Riverside Road around the John Deere plant and start birding. Once you cross the railroad tracks, there is a gravel parking lot 0.3 miles on the right. From here, gravel paths take you around the impoundment or to a vantage point where you can scan the river.
Mostly wetlands and good access to views of the Mississippi River. Some riparian woodlands. This is a public hunting area.
Roadside viewing
Restrooms on site
Entrance fee
Content from Iowa Ornithologists' Union and Tony Moline
Last updated November 13, 2023