The Binocular Site
Cone Marsh Wildlife Area, Iowa
Cone Marsh Wildlife Area covers approximately 700 acres of Louisa County in southeastern Iowa. The refuge sits on a lowland area called the Lake Calvin
Basin, between the Iowa River and the Cedar River. The land is is made up of dunes, terraces, broad floodplains, and marsh, as well as large areas of flat
terrain. The marsh was bought by the state in three separate purchases in 1960, 1968, and 1969. Much of the land now belongs to private hunting clubs.
The marsh area does not contain any facilities for camping, hiking, or other recreational activities. It has been kept in its natural state, with no buildings or other structures. Other than the hunting done by the private clubs, the land is a true wildlife refuge.
Because it's an undisturbed area, the marsh is a particularly prime area for birdwatching. Several species live in the marsh year round, while several others stop during their migrations. Bird species that have been observed in the refuge include rusty blackbirds, yellow rails, lark sparrows, Canada geese, black-crowned night herons, marsh wrens, swamp sparrows, and the common yellowthroat.
You can find information about Cone Marsh here.
The state bird of Iowa is the American Goldfinch and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Iowa here.
If you've visited Cone Marsh Wildlife Area, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Iowa birding location below.
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