With several miles of roads and trails, sampling different habitats is easy. From forest species to waterfowl to shorebirds, Jester has them all. Water levels on Saylorville Reservoir will always impact available habitat.

Important Bird Area.
Jester Park is a part of the general Saylorville Reservoir area and is managed by Polk County. Varied habitats and a wide variety of bird species are found here in all seasons. A blind is available for those who want to see some feeder birds up close. In the fall the American White Pelican migration brings many visitors to the park.

On the west shore of Saylorville Lake in Polk Co. Just southeast of Granger, take Hwy. 17 about two miles north from Hwy. 141 to NW 122nd Ave. Turn right (east) and follow the signs to the park and campground. Or, past the west end of the Mile Long Bridge over the lake, go west (slightly right) at the first intersection, and after one half mile turn north on 107th St. and follow the signs.

Much of the park is mature woodlands high above the Des Moines River. A few planted pine groves can be interesting, especially in winter. The major draw for Iowa birders, however, is the abundant shallow waters and mudflats which serve as a draw for shorebirds and waders. Several of Iowa's accidental species have been recorded here.

Saylorville Reservoir is an extremely important stopover area for migrating waterfowl, gulls, terns, American White Pelicans, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. It supports nationally important concentrations of several species as well as smaller concentrations of many other species. The adjacent uplands support a variety of woodland species, both during the nesting season and in migration.

Saylorville Reservoir is located on the Des Moines River about 4 miles north of Interstate 80/35 north of Des Moines. Land on both sides of the reservoir is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and includes several access points on both sides of the lake. County owned Jester Park on the west shore of the northern part of the reservoir also offers good access to some important birding areas. Big Creek State Park and adjacent state wildlife areas provide important upland habitat.