IBA Site Information

Dunbar Slough

State IBA

Greene County

Directions: 4 miles South of Ralston

Description: Dunbar Slough is a very unique Birding area.It has a wide variety of habitat for all types of birds from falcons to passerines and Sparrows to Marshbirds.Shorebirds number in the 1000's at times.There is a Pair of Trumpeter swans attempting to nest.This area is the biggest slough in the westcentral part of Iowa if not all of Western Iowa.I have recorded 112 species of birds in 3.5 Hours without leaving my vehicle including Ibis Species,Peregrine Falcon,Common Moorhen,Northern Mockingbird,Willet and American bittern. Dunbar Slough is important both as a nesting and migratory stopover site for birds. Especially during spring, peak numbers of waterfowl can exceed several thousand birds. It is especially known for the supporting some of the largest flocks of Snow Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese in Iowa. Ameican White Pelicans, cormorants, several species of grebes, gulls, and terns also make regular use of the area. Depending upon water conditions, shorebird numbers may exceed 500 birds with more than 20 species reported from the area. During the nesting season, several species of waterfowl, American Coot, Sora and Virginia Rail, and other marsh birds are typically found here.

Criteria for this site
Endangered or threatened species habitat
High conservation priority
Rare or unique habitat
Significant species concentrations

Habitats found in this site
Wetland
Woodland
Grassland
Savanna/Shrub
Riparian

Ownership
State