The Best Birding In Iowa Is Found At The Chichaqua-Neal Smith Bird Conservation Area

I don't know about you, but when it comes to signs of spring and summer, there is nothing that makes me happier than a sky full of birds. It's one of the best parts of exploring a state park - keeping my eyes peeled for these delicate little creatures and snapping a picture before they fly away. It's easy to spot birds at most Iowa parks - and even in some urban areas - but for the best birding in Iowa, it's best to go off the beaten path. Have you heard of the Chichaqua-Neal Smith Grassland Bird Conservation Area? If you've never seen a sign pointing to it, that's probably because it's not one park - it's two! This sprawling area is spread out over both the Neal Smith National Wildlife Area and the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, located around 28 miles apart, east of Des Moines. A visit to either location is sure to fill a birder's heart with joy.

It's estimated that up to 800 million birds migrate through Iowa in the spring, and even more in the fall, and you can see many of them in two of Iowa's most beautiful locations.

The first is the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge - a sprawling park located not far from Des Moines.

The majestic bison herds are a huge draw here, but birders come from around the state for smaller photo ops.

More out of the way and offering quiet birding opportunities, the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is an amazing spot for birders.

The park is almost eerily peaceful as the sun rises, offering a unique opportunity to see rare birds.

The sandhill crane is one of the many birds here, and an annual count of the bird is a big part of Polk County's yearly conservation efforts.

Have you visited the Chichaqua-Neal Smith Bird Conservation Area? Let us know about your visit, and tell us your pick for where to find the best birding in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about this unique national haven on the official Iowa DNR press release. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is also worth a visit for its magnificent bison and elk herds. You're also not far from the AmericInn by Wyndham Newton.