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

Loading map...

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

Osprey (American)

Pandion haliaetus

6/2/2026Pershing Drive hike-bike trail2 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

6/2/2026Fontenelle Park1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

6/2/2026Pershing Drive hike-bike trail1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/1/2026Walnut Creek RA1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/1/2026Forest City RA1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk (Northern)

Buteo platypterus

6/1/2026Chalco Hills RA1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Glacier Creek Preserve2 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026Blackstone District, 40th and Harney1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/31/2026First Home | Omaha1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Backyard1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Fontenelle Forest--Uplands North1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/30/2026Hummel Park

Loggerhead Kingbird

Tyrannus caudifasciatus

5/30/2026Home1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026Waterloo Sand (private, view from shoulder)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

46/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

American Robin

66/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

66/1/2026

House Finch

26/1/2026

Field Sparrow

16/1/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/1/2026

Common Grackle

46/1/2026

Canada Goose

115/30/2026

Mallard

35/30/2026

Killdeer

25/30/2026

Piping Plover

15/30/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

65/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

25/30/2026

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.