Lake birding habitat

Big Lake State Park

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/25/2026Margrave WMA1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/25/2026Loess Bluffs NWR3 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/24/2026Loess Bluffs NWR1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

5/23/2026Indian Cave SP--Saint Deroin1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/20/2026Indian Cave SP1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/20/2026Loess Bluffs NWR3 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/20/2026Indian Cave SP--Trail 91 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/20/2026Stanton Lake2 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/20/2026Indian Cave SP--Saint Deroin1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/19/2026Nodaway Valley CA--Randy Herzog Wetland Unit1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Horned Lark

25/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

Dickcissel

25/30/2026

Snow Goose

45/30/2026

Hooded Merganser

65/30/2026

Forster's Tern

15/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/30/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

405/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

45/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/30/2026

American White Pelican

105/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

15/30/2026

Orchard Oriole

25/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/30/2026

Wood Duck

45/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Big Lake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Lake State Park?
Notable species at Big Lake State Park include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Lake State Park?
Birding at Big Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Big Lake State Park?
Big Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.