Stockton Lake - Dam

Missouri · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Stockton Lake - Dam is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Wood Duck Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/4/2026Stockton Lake--Dam1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/3/2026Stockton Lake--Cedar Ridge Campground1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/2/2026E 487th Rd, Aldrich US-MO 37.54715, -93.612243 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

23/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

153/4/2026

Gadwall

423/4/2026

American Wigeon

13/4/2026

Mallard

513/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

113/4/2026

Greater Scaup

13/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

503/4/2026

Bufflehead

143/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

53/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

33/4/2026

Killdeer

63/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

393/4/2026

American Herring Gull

23/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/4/2026

Horned Grebe

23/4/2026

Common Loon

503/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Missouri

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

Missouri River refuge with epic Snow Goose migrations and diverse wetland birds.

Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Missouri with 209 recorded species.

Bean Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Missouri with 219 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Stockton Lake - Dam for birding?▼

The best months to visit Stockton Lake - Dam for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Stockton Lake - Dam?▼

Notable species at Stockton Lake - Dam include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Stockton Lake - Dam?▼

Birding at Stockton Lake - Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Stockton Lake - Dam?▼

Stockton Lake - Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.