Where to Go
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Click the map for a link to an interactive map of public lands in Fremont County.
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Species list of birds found in Fremont County - This list was compiled by Stephen Dinsmore. Click either of the images below and download a pdf of the full list.
When to Go
Here's a sampling of some birds you can find throughout the year in Fremont County.
January - Bald eagles can be found throughout the county, especially near bodies of water.
February - Several species of owls are active through the winter months. Cedar waxwings, cardinals, and some finches & sparrows are some of the more common birds you'll see in winter.
March - Waterfowl such as snow geese migrate north through the county.
April - American woodcocks can be seen displaying. Great blue herons return. The call of towhees fills the woods.
May - Peak of spring migration for many species--warblers, thrushes, vireos, swallows, and numerous shorebirds return to Fremont County.
June - Look for grassland-obligate species such as bobolinks and dickcissels in prairies. Listen for whippoorwills in the evenings. Chuck-will's-widows are less common but can be found in an near Waubonsie State Park.
July - Common nighthawks are easy to hear and see in the evenings.
August - Blackbirds start flocking in large numbers. Some shorebirds begin migrating south.
September - Shorebird migration continues. Warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and hawks begin migrating.
October - Migration ends, with blackbirds the last to leave. Juncos return
November - Purple finches and house finches are some of the most common birds you'll see this time of year.
December - Saw-whet owls can be found in coniferous trees like eastern red cedar. Although rare, snowy owls occasionally make it this far south.
January - Bald eagles can be found throughout the county, especially near bodies of water.
February - Several species of owls are active through the winter months. Cedar waxwings, cardinals, and some finches & sparrows are some of the more common birds you'll see in winter.
March - Waterfowl such as snow geese migrate north through the county.
April - American woodcocks can be seen displaying. Great blue herons return. The call of towhees fills the woods.
May - Peak of spring migration for many species--warblers, thrushes, vireos, swallows, and numerous shorebirds return to Fremont County.
June - Look for grassland-obligate species such as bobolinks and dickcissels in prairies. Listen for whippoorwills in the evenings. Chuck-will's-widows are less common but can be found in an near Waubonsie State Park.
July - Common nighthawks are easy to hear and see in the evenings.
August - Blackbirds start flocking in large numbers. Some shorebirds begin migrating south.
September - Shorebird migration continues. Warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and hawks begin migrating.
October - Migration ends, with blackbirds the last to leave. Juncos return
November - Purple finches and house finches are some of the most common birds you'll see this time of year.
December - Saw-whet owls can be found in coniferous trees like eastern red cedar. Although rare, snowy owls occasionally make it this far south.
Birding Resources
- Loess Hills Birding Guide from Loess Hills Alliance
- Iowa Ornithologists' Union - The Iowa Ornithologists' Union was founded in 1923, bringing together a group of people interested in the study and enjoyment of wild birds.
- Iowa Birding Facebook Group - The purpose of this group is to provide a forum in which Iowa's birders (and those with an interest in Iowa birding) can share information and express their general interest in birds.
- Iowa Young Birders - Founded in 2011 to encourage young Iowans ages 8-18 to study and enjoy birds and birding...all around Iowa.
- Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas - The Breeding Bird Atlas is a five-year project beginning in 2008, continuing through 2012. The project is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. There are a total of 791 3 by 3 mile blocks statewide, and our goal is to have each of these blocks sufficiently surveyed (20 hours of observation in each block) at the end of the five-year period. With the data collected, we will be able to see nesting distribution of Iowa’s breeding birds throughout the state of Iowa, as well as, compile a current list of birds actually nesting within the state.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of the natural world, the Cornell Lab joins with people from all walks of life to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and galvanize conservation action.
- National Audubon Society - Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
- Audubon Society of Omaha - dedicated to the active promotion of environmental awareness to our community through education, conservation and enjoyment of our natural heritage, especially birds.
- Sibley Bird Guides - Many birders consider these books to be the best.
Photos & Video
Photos of some of the birds you may find in Fremont County. Photos by Carter Oliver. Video by Lance Brisbois.
Photo by Carter Oliver
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Photo by Carter Oliver
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Photo by Carter Oliver
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Photo by Carter Oliver
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Partners
This page is part of Golden Hills RC&D's Fremont County Outdoor Adventures programming, encouraging locals and visitors to explore the great outdoors of Southwest Iowa. Learn more at
goldenhillsrcd.org/fremontcounty
goldenhillsrcd.org/fremontcounty
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