Grassland birding habitat

Branched Oak State Recreation Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Branched Oak State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, 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

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

6/2/202668512, Lincoln US-NE 40.73785, -96.710061 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/2/2026Yankee Hill State WMA1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

6/1/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

5/31/2026Oak Glen WMA2 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/31/2026Yankee Hill State WMA1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/30/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

5/30/2026Conestoga Lake SRA2 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/28/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/1/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

55/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Killdeer

135/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

55/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

65/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Bank Swallow

205/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Purple Martin

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/31/2026

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 Branched Oak State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Branched Oak State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Branched Oak State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Branched Oak State Recreation Area include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Branched Oak State Recreation Area?
Birding at Branched Oak State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Branched Oak State Recreation Area?
Branched Oak State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.