Saylorville Reservoir--Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Saylorville Reservoir--Prairie Flower Recreation Area

Polk City, Iowa 50226

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Tips for Birding

There is a diverse mix of habitats here, but this area is mainly a campground and picnic type spot that is not as popular with birders as Sandpiper Beach and Oak Grove to the west and east.

Birds of Interest

Migrant passerines, common resident species.

About this Location

Located off Highway 415 south of the marina.

About Saylorville Reservoir IBA

See all hotspots at Saylorville Reservoir IBA

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

  • Entrance fee

Content from Saylorville Reservoir IBA

Last updated February 23, 2023