Grassland birding habitat

Chalco Hills RA

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chalco Hills RA is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue Jay, and Black-capped Chickadee 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

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/21/2026Waterloo Sand (private, view from shoulder)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/21/2026Waterloo Sand (private, view from shoulder)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

7/21/2026Memphis Lake1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/20/2026Fontenelle Forest--Nature Center1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/19/2026Waterloo Sand (private, view from shoulder)2 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/19/2026N. P. Dodge Park1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/17/2026Platte River SP--Stone Creek Falls2 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

7/16/2026Big Elk Lake1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

7/13/2026400–448 County Road O, Yutan US-NE 41.26272, -96.369581 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

7/12/2026LakeHouse1 observed

Osprey (American)

Pandion haliaetus

7/12/2026Pershing Drive hike-bike trail3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

177/15/2026

Wood Duck

67/15/2026

Mallard

127/15/2026

Mourning Dove

57/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Northern Flicker

37/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

107/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

67/15/2026

Blue Jay

87/15/2026

Purple Martin

67/15/2026

Barn Swallow

127/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

377/15/2026

Northern House Wren

47/15/2026

Gray Catbird

37/15/2026

Brown Thrasher

37/15/2026

American Robin

177/15/2026

House Sparrow

47/15/2026

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 Chalco Hills RA for birding?
The best months to visit Chalco Hills RA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chalco Hills RA?
Notable species at Chalco Hills RA include Canada Goose, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chalco Hills RA?
Birding at Chalco Hills RA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chalco Hills RA?
Chalco Hills RA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.