Lake birding habitat

Lake Contrary

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Contrary is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/30/20266342–6346 SW Crockett Rd, Rushville US-MO 39.67595, -94.957811 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

5/25/2026Horseshoe Lake1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/22/2026River Road Airbnb (39.801, -94.877)1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

5/22/202636649 Holt 340, Oregon, Missouri, US (39.91, -95.018)1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/20/2026Missouri Western State University Campus1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

26/2/2026

Northern Bobwhite

16/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

26/2/2026

Killdeer

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

56/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Purple Martin

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

156/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

36/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

Carolina Wren

26/2/2026

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 Lake Contrary for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Contrary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Contrary?
Notable species at Lake Contrary include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Contrary?
Birding at Lake Contrary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Contrary?
Lake Contrary offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.