Ross' Gull and Ivory Gull have both been recorded here.

The outflow of the Des Moines River is well known for unusual gulls and waterfowl. A scope is not only desirable but almost required to view the birds on the lake.

In northern Marion Co. Scope above the dam from the overlook behind the Visitor’s Center at the south end of the dam (T-15), and from a small turn-in at the north end of the dam. The dam is at the southeast end of the lake. Access the spillway from the dam’s south end, east side of T-15.

Above the dam you will find a broad expanse of deep water where waterfowl may be found and gulls congregate to roost. Below the dam, depending on the volume of the outflow, many gravel bars provide resting spots and gulls may be swarming around the dam.

The entire area is important as a resting area for large concentrations of migrating waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds. The area is also critical as a wintering area for large numbers of Bald Eagles. Nesting birds include Bobolink, Cerulean Warbler, Black-billed Cuckoo, Wood Thrush, and in some years Kentucky Warbler.

The Red Rock Dam is about five miles southwest of Pella; the refuge area extends northwest beyond Runnells in Polk County to near Hartford in Warren County.