## Birding in Nebraska: A Guide to Top Spots and Species - Part 1

**Introduction**

Nebraska, often called the "Cornhusker State," holds a secret treasure - a vibrant and diverse birdlife that rivals any other state in the Midwest. From the rolling plains of the tallgrass prairie to the unique sandhills landscape, Nebraska's varied ecological regions create a haven for a wide array of avian species. This blog post will serve as your guide to the best birding hotspots in each of Nebraska's distinct ecological zones, ensuring you don't miss out on the incredible avian diversity this state has to offer.

**Tallgrass Prairie: A Birdwatcher's Paradise**

The tallgrass prairie ecoregion encompasses the eastern portion of Nebraska, characterized by rolling hills, fertile soil, and the meandering courses of the Republican, Platte, Loup, and Niobrara rivers. This region is a haven for grassland birds like the Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, and Grasshopper Sparrow. However, it's also a surprising haven for a variety of other species, including waterfowl, raptors, and even migrating songbirds.

Here are eight top birding locations in the tallgrass prairie ecoregion:

* **Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area:** This 1,800-acre lake draws in a host of waterfowl, especially in spring, including Bald Eagles, Snow Geese, and a diverse array of ducks. The dam at the eastern end of the lake provides excellent viewing opportunities.
* **Fontenelle Forest:** A hidden gem near Omaha, Fontenelle Forest offers a unique blend of tallgrass prairie and riparian woodlands, making it a haven for a diverse range of birds, including the elusive Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
* **Gavin's Point Dam & Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area:** This location along the Missouri River is a popular spot to spot Bald Eagles, Osprey, and a variety of waterfowl, particularly during fall and spring migration.
* **Harvard Waterfowl Production Area:** Located in the heart of the tallgrass prairie, this area boasts an abundance of waterfowl, including Canada Geese, Mallards, and Northern Pintails. It's also a prime spot to observe migrating shorebirds in spring.
* **Indian Cave State Park:** While known for its unique rock formations, the park also boasts a wide range of birds, including Eastern Bluebirds, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and various warbler species. Its diverse habitats, ranging from tallgrass prairie to wooded areas, provide an exciting birding experience.
* **Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center:** This center offers a glimpse into the beauty and importance of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. You'll find a variety of grassland birds, including Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, and Savannah Sparrows, along with raptors like the Northern Harrier and Ferruginous Hawk.
* **Ponca State Park:** Nestled along the Missouri River, Ponca State Park is a diverse landscape featuring both tallgrass prairie and forested areas. It's a great place to find a variety of birds, including warblers, flycatchers, and even the occasional Great Horned Owl.
* **Rock Creek Station State Historical Park:** This park, with its historic buildings and scenic landscapes, is a fantastic place to encounter the elusive Prairie Chicken during mating season (spring), along with a variety of other grassland birds.

**Tips for Tallgrass Prairie Birding:**

* **Best Time of Year:** Spring and fall are excellent times to visit the tallgrass prairie for migrating birds.
* **Specific Birds:** Look out for the Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, and a variety of waterfowl.
* **Unique Opportunities:** The presence of Bald Eagles and Prairie Chickens during specific seasons makes these locations truly special.

**Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll explore the diverse birdlife of the Mixed-Grass Prairie and the unique Sandhills region of Nebraska!**
## Birding in Nebraska: A Guide to Top Spots and Species - Part 2

**Tallgrass Prairie**

The tallgrass prairie, the easternmost of Nebraska's ecological regions, is a tapestry of waving grasses reaching heights of over six feet, interspersed with wildflowers and scattered trees. This diverse landscape attracts a variety of bird species, from grassland specialists to migratory songbirds. Here, you'll find iconic species like the **Eastern Meadowlark**, its cheerful song echoing across the prairie, and the **Dickcissel**, a colorful songbird with a distinctive trilling song.

**Top Tallgrass Prairie Birding Locations:**

1. **Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area:** This popular recreation area near Lincoln offers a mix of prairie, wetlands, and forests, providing habitat for a wide array of birds, including the **Northern Harrier**, **Red-tailed Hawk**, and **Common Yellowthroat**. Best time to visit: April-October.

2. **Fontenelle Forest:** This natural preserve near Omaha features a blend of tallgrass prairie, wooded ravines, and riparian areas. Look for **Great Horned Owl**, **Peregrine Falcon**, and elusive **Eastern Kingbird**. Best time to visit: Year-round.

3. **Gavin's Point Dam & Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area:** This scenic area along the Missouri River offers excellent birding opportunities, with **Bald Eagle** sightings during the winter months, **Great Blue Heron** nesting colonies, and migrating songbirds in spring and fall. Best time to visit: Winter for Bald Eagles, spring and fall for migrants.

4. **Harvard Waterfowl Production Area:** This vast wetland complex is a haven for waterfowl, attracting a variety of ducks, geese, and shorebirds, including the **Snow Goose**, **Canada Goose**, and **American Avocet**. Best time to visit: Spring and fall migration.

5. **Indian Cave State Park:** This park in southeast Nebraska boasts scenic bluffs and wooded areas, offering habitat for both forest and grassland birds, including the **Blue-winged Warbler**, **Wood Thrush**, and **American Robin**. Best time to visit: Spring and fall for migrants.

6. **Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center:** This center showcases the beauty of the tallgrass prairie and is home to a diverse array of birds, including the **Eastern Kingbird**, **Northern Bobwhite**, and **Grasshopper Sparrow**. Best time to visit: Year-round, particularly during spring and fall migration.

7. **Ponca State Park:** This park in northeast Nebraska features stunningly diverse natural features, including prairie grasslands, river bottomlands, and woodlands. Look for the **Red-headed Woodpecker**, **Eastern Screech Owl**, and the **Northern Cardinal**. Best time to visit: Year-round.

8. **Rock Creek Station State Historical Park:** This park offers a glimpse into Nebraska's history and provides excellent birding opportunities in the prairie grasslands and riparian areas. Look for **Western Meadowlark**, **Burrowing Owl**, and **Prairie Chicken** (during spring mating season). Best time to visit: Spring for Prairie Chicken display, year-round for other species.

**Mixed-Grass Prairie & Sandhills**

The mixed-grass prairie, a transition zone between the tallgrass prairie and the Sandhills, features a shorter, more diverse mix of grasses. This region attracts a unique blend of prairie birds, including the **Lark Bunting**, **Chestnut-collared Longspur**, and **McCown's Longspur**.

**Top Mixed-Grass Prairie Birding Locations:**

1. **Fort Kearny State Recreation Area:** Located near the Platte River, this park offers a variety of habitats, from prairie to riparian areas, attracting birds like the **Western Meadowlark**, **Red-winged Blackbird**, and **Loggerhead Shrike**. Best time to visit: Spring and fall migration.

2. **Harlan County Reservoir:** This large reservoir is a haven for migrating waterfowl, with a variety of ducks, geese, and shorebirds, including the **Canvasback**, **Ring-necked Duck**, and **American White Pelican**. Best time to visit: Spring and fall migration.

3. **Rowe Sanctuary:** This renowned sanctuary on the Platte River is famous for its Sandhill Crane migration. However, visitors can also spot a variety of other birds, including the **Ferruginous Hawk**, **Killdeer**, and **Snowy Egret**. Best time to visit: Spring for Sandhill Crane migration.

**Sandhills:**

The Sandhills, a unique landscape of rolling sand dunes, present a fascinating ecosystem attracting a variety of grassland birds. The **Greater Prairie Chicken** performs its namesake booming dance displays in the spring, while the **Western Meadowlark**, a common sight in this region, fills the air with its cheerful song.

**Top Sandhills Birding Locations:**

1. **Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge:** This refuge is renowned for its diverse waterfowl populations, including the **Snow Goose**, **Greater White-fronted Goose**, and **American Bittern**. Best time to visit: Spring and fall migration.

2. **Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge:** This refuge provides habitat for a variety of birds, including the **Greater Prairie Chicken**, **Sharp-tailed Grouse**, and the **Ferruginous Hawk**. Best time to visit: Spring for Prairie Chicken display, year-round for other species.

3. **Nebraska National Forest, Bessey District:** This district of the Nebraska National Forest offers a mix of forested areas and grasslands, attracting birds like the **Yellow-bellied Sapsucker**, **American Kestrel**, and **Great Horned Owl**. Best time to visit: Year-round.

4. **Valentine National Wildlife Refuge:** This refuge is a haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors, including the **Bald Eagle**, **Peregrine Falcon**, and **American White Pelican**. Best time to visit: Spring and fall migration.

## Part 3: Mixed-Grass Prairie & Sandhills

**Mixed-Grass Prairie:**

The mixed-grass prairie, a transitional zone between the tallgrass and shortgrass prairies, presents a unique blend of habitats and birdlife. This region boasts a mosaic of grasslands, scattered woodlands, and riparian areas, attracting a diverse array of species adapted to these varied landscapes.

**Hotspots:**

* **Fort Kearny State Recreational Area:** Located in the heart of the mixed-grass prairie, Fort Kearny offers a rich tapestry of habitats, from prairie grasslands to the banks of the Platte River. Look for grassland birds like the **Greater Prairie-Chicken**, **Burrowing Owl**, and **Western Meadowlark**, along with riparian species like the **Yellow-headed Blackbird** and **American White Pelican**.
* **Harlan County Reservoir:** This large reservoir in central Nebraska draws numerous waterbirds, including **Canada Geese**, **Mallards**, and **American Coots**. Keep watch for soaring **Bald Eagles** and **Peregrine Falcons**, while the surrounding grasslands will reveal **Short-billed Lark** and **Grasshopper Sparrow**.
* **Rowe Sanctuary:** This renowned nature preserve showcases the beauty and importance of the Platte River Valley. Spring is a prime time to visit, when the **Sandhill Crane** migration transforms the landscape into a spectacular avian spectacle. Be sure to also look for **Red-tailed Hawks**, **Great Horned Owls**, and the elusive **Northern Harrier** soaring above the grasslands.

**Sandhills:**

The Sandhills, a vast expanse of unique sand dunes, stand as a testament to the power of nature's artistry. This ecosystem, the largest sand dune region in North America, is a haven for grassland birds adapted to this challenging environment.

**Hotspots:**

* **Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge:** This diverse refuge offers a haven for a wide array of birds, including the majestic **Sandhill Crane**, **Trumpeter Swan**, and **American White Pelican**. The grasslands surrounding the lake attract **Mountain Plover**, **Chestnut-collared Longspur**, and **Lark Bunting**.
* **Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge:** This refuge protects a diverse range of habitats, from the sandhills to the Niobrara River. Spot the endangered **Black-footed Ferret**, a resident of the refuge's prairie habitat, and listen for the distinctive calls of the **Burrowing Owl** and **Greater Prairie-Chicken**.
* **Nebraska National Forest, Bessey District:** This sprawling forest offers a unique blend of pine woodlands and mixed-grass prairies. Look for the elusive **Spotted Towhee**, **Northern Flicker**, and the vibrant **Rose-breasted Grosbeak** amongst the trees.
* **Valentine National Wildlife Refuge:** This refuge, situated in the heart of the Sandhills, is a vital stopover for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Keep an eye out for **Snowy Owl** and **Short-eared Owl** hunting during winter, and look for **American Avocet** and **Wilson's Phalarope** during spring migration.
## Part 4: Shortgrass Prairie & Peak Birding Opportunities

**Shortgrass Prairie:**

The shortgrass prairie of western Nebraska is a unique ecosystem characterized by its arid climate, rolling hills, and short, drought-resistant grasses. This region holds its own special appeal for birders, with a diverse array of avian species adapted to this harsh yet captivating landscape.

**Hotspots:**

* **Kiowa Wildlife Management Area:** This sprawling area, located near the Colorado border, offers excellent opportunities to observe a multitude of grassland birds, including the rare Lesser Prairie Chicken. Keep an eye out for Burrowing Owls, Mountain Plovers, and Ferruginous Hawks.
* **Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area:** A haven for waterfowl, Lake McConaughy provides stunning views of migrating ducks and geese, particularly during the spring and fall. Look for Bald Eagles and Osprey perched along the shoreline.
* **Oliver Reservoir:** This reservoir, nestled in the scenic Wildcat Hills, attracts a variety of waterbirds, including ducks, geese, and shorebirds. Don't miss the chance to spot the elusive Western Grebe or the elegant American Avocet.
* **Sowbelly Canyon Road & Coffee Park:** These scenic routes, winding through the Wildcat Hills, offer fantastic opportunities for birdwatching. Look for Golden Eagles soaring above the canyons, and listen for the melodic calls of Canyon Wren.
* **Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area:** This park, known for its rugged beauty, is a haven for birds of prey. Keep your eyes peeled for Prairie Falcons, Peregrine Falcons, and Red-tailed Hawks.

**Peak Birding Opportunities:**

**Sandhill Crane Migration:**

Nebraska's Platte River Valley is famous worldwide for its awe-inspiring spectacle of Sandhill Crane migration. Each spring, over half a million cranes converge upon the river's shallow water and grasslands. This incredible event, stretching from mid-February to late March, offers a truly unforgettable birding experience. The best spots for viewing this migration include:

* **Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center:** Located near Grand Island, this non-profit organization offers guided tours, educational programs, and pristine viewing areas for observing the cranes.
* **Rowe Sanctuary:** This nature preserve near Gibbon provides a quiet and intimate setting for experiencing the migration, offering opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

**Other Seasonal Events:**

* **Bald Eagle Viewing:** During the winter months, Bald Eagles flock to Nebraska's reservoirs and rivers, drawn to the open water and plentiful fish. Prime locations for eagle viewing include Lake McConaughy and the Platte River.
* **Prairie Chicken Mating Displays:** In late winter and early spring, Greater Prairie-Chickens engage in their elaborate mating rituals, boasting booming calls and elaborate displays. Visit the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge or the Medicine Creek National Wildlife Refuge to witness this fascinating spectacle.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, Nebraska offers an incredible array of birding opportunities. So, grab your binoculars and camera, and prepare to be amazed by the vibrant and diverse avian world of this unique state.
## Part 5: Resources & Conclusion

**Resources:**

Nebraska is a haven for birdwatchers, with abundant resources available to plan your trip and enhance your experience. Here's a list of valuable websites to get you started:

* **Nebraska Game and Parks Commission:** This official website provides detailed information about Nebraska's state parks, wildlife areas, and birding hotspots. You'll find maps, guides, and even online checklists for bird identification. ([https://outdoornebraska.gov/](https://outdoornebraska.gov/))

* **Nebraska Birding Guide:** This comprehensive website, maintained by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, offers a wealth of information on bird identification, distribution, and conservation in Nebraska. ([https://nebraska.birds.cornell.edu/](https://nebraska.birds.cornell.edu/))

* **Nebraska Ornithologists' Union (NOU):** This organization dedicated to studying and conserving Nebraska's birds hosts events, workshops, and publishes a journal, providing valuable insights for serious birders. ([https://www.noubirds.org/](https://www.noubirds.org/))

* **eBird:** This citizen science project, hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, allows you to record your bird sightings, contributing to valuable data on bird distribution and abundance. ([https://ebird.org/](https://ebird.org/))

* **BirdingHotspots.org:** This global platform provides information on birding locations around the world, including detailed maps, species lists, and visitor tips. ([https://www.birdinghotspots.org/](https://www.birdinghotspots.org/))

**Conclusion:**

From the rolling tallgrass prairies to the rugged Sandhills, Nebraska offers an unparalleled birding experience for enthusiasts of all levels. With diverse habitats housing over 400 bird species, you're sure to encounter feathered wonders, from soaring raptors and colorful songbirds to majestic waterfowl and elusive grassland specialists.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting your journey, Nebraska promises unforgettable birding adventures. So, pack your binoculars, grab your field guide, and embrace the thrill of discovering a vibrant avian world in the heartland of America.

**Call to Action:**

Don't wait any longer! Plan your next birding expedition to Nebraska and witness the incredible diversity of birds that call this state home. From spring's vibrant warblers to winter's majestic eagles, there's always something new to discover. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!