Saylorville Reservoir (general location—HISTORICAL RECORDS ONLY)

Saylorville Reservoir (general location—HISTORICAL RECORDS ONLY)

Johnston, Iowa 50131

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Tips for Birding

Please note that this "general location" hotspot is for historical records only.  For current birding trips, please use more specific hotspots.

About this Location

Important Bird Area.

About Saylorville Reservoir IBA

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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.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Roadside viewing

  • Entrance fee

Content from Saylorville Reservoir IBA

Last updated July 4, 2023