Stockton Lake - Dam

Missouri · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/22/2026Back Country Optics1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/22/2026

Mourning Dove

15/22/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/22/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/22/2026

Black Vulture

45/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

155/22/2026

Osprey

15/22/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/22/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/22/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/22/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/22/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/22/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/22/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/22/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/22/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/22/2026

American Crow

45/22/2026

Fish Crow

25/22/2026

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.

Missouri Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Missouri →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

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.