The Best Birding In Iowa Is Found At The Chichaqua-Neal Smith Bird Conservation Area
Raymond Goldfield
Author
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.
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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.
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