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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/22/2026Pioneers Park2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/20266545 Ballard Ave, Lincoln US-NE (40.8558,-96.6306)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/17/2026Pawnee Lake SRA--NW 126th St.1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

7/16/2026Wilderness Park--Densmore1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/16/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

7/14/2026Jack Sinn WMA--East (Saunders Co.)1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

7/13/2026UNL City Campus1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/13/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

7/12/2026Branched Oak SRA1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/11/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

517/21/2026

Wood Duck

57/21/2026

Northern Bobwhite

37/21/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/21/2026

Mourning Dove

97/21/2026

Killdeer

57/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

47/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

417/21/2026

Forster's Tern

567/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

117/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

77/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

37/21/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Northern Flicker

37/21/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/21/2026

Western Kingbird

57/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

327/21/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

37/21/2026

Blue Jay

27/21/2026

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.