Branched Oak State Recreation Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Pioneers Park Nature Center13 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026UNL City Campus1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Oak Glen WMA1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

3/3/2026Yard List1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

2/28/2026Oak Glen WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

232/24/2026

Canada Goose

472/24/2026

Mallard

272/24/2026

Bufflehead

42/24/2026

Common Goldeneye

162/24/2026

Hooded Merganser

82/24/2026

Common Merganser

7502/24/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/24/2026

Mourning Dove

132/24/2026

Killdeer

12/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

6002/24/2026

American Herring Gull

82/24/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

12/24/2026

American White Pelican

82/24/2026

Northern Harrier

22/24/2026

Bald Eagle

1512/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

32/24/2026

Belted Kingfisher

22/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/24/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/24/2026

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.