Hawkeye WMA--Big Bend Area

Hawkeye WMA--Big Bend Area

Amana, Iowa 52203

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About this Location

Contained with a large bend of the Iowa River, this is the remains of the largest lowland woodland in Hawkeye.

This area lies to the WNW of the a DNR parking lot that is located along the Iowa R near the westerly end of the extension of Swan Lake Rd. It is reached by proceeding east for 3/4 mile from the intersection of Cemetery and Grabin Rds [N of Williams Prairie]. At that point turn N on the unnamed road that connects to Swan L Rd.In a little over a mile, the road will come to a T. Swan L goes E. Go W for 1/3 mile until you come to a parking lot. Walk W for about a half mile.

About Coralville Reservoir/Hawkeye Wildlife Area/Lake Macbride State Park IBA

See all hotspots at Coralville Reservoir/Hawkeye Wildlife Area/Lake Macbride State Park IBA

This area has a large concentration of waterfowl and pelicans during migration. When water levels are right, large concentrations of shorebirds are found here during migration. The woodlands in the area produce significant numbers of migrating songbirds. Bald Eagle and Double-crested Cormorants nest in the area. There are large numbers of raptors in the area, some during migration and following the shorebirds, some nesting, and some wintering, such as Long and Short-eared Owls, Northern Harrier, and Rough-legged Hawk. There are heron rookeries, and large numbers of wading birds use the area during post breeding dispersal. The number of rare birds that have been found here over the years is quite large.

From highway 965 one and three-quarters miles north of North Liberty, go west on the Swan Lake Road to areas on the south side of Hawkeye WA. To reach areas on the north side, go west from highway 965 on the first road north of the reservoir (Amana Road).

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Linda Rudolph, Iowa Ornithologists' Union, Iowa Ornithologists' Union, and Coralville Reservoir/Hawkeye Wildlife Area/Lake Macbride State Park IBA

Last updated June 19, 2023