There is a good bird feeder set up behind the visitor center that is most productive in the winter.  There is a lake overlook on past the feeder set up. The area around the parking lot can be good for migrants in spring/fall.

Primarily feeder birds.  A good spot for Tufted Titmouse and at times winter finches like Pine Siskin. In recent years there has often been a Summer Tanager territory around the parking lot.

The visitor center is at the east end of the dam and is shown on most maps.  The building itself is rarely open and the area mainly serves as a trailhead and parking for the popular Neal Smith Trail.

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.