Grassland birding habitat

Big Oak Tree State Park

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Oak Tree State Park is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland 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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Reelfoot Lake--Snider Basin & Joe Basin1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

5/28/2026Sanders Chapel Rd, Union City US-TN1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/25/2026Reelfoot-Indian Creek #7 Watershed Lake2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/24/2026East Prairie Yard1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/24/2026Ten Mile Pond CA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/29/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/29/2026

American Crow

15/29/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/29/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

15/29/2026

Kentucky Warbler

15/29/2026

Northern Parula

15/29/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/29/2026

Mourning Dove

15/23/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/23/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/23/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/23/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/23/2026

Northern Flicker

15/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Oak Tree State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Big Oak Tree State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Oak Tree State Park?
Notable species at Big Oak Tree State Park include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Oak Tree State Park?
Birding at Big Oak Tree 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 Oak Tree State Park?
Big Oak Tree State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.