Lake birding habitat

Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Greater White-fronted Goose 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

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

7/13/2026UNL City Campus1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/13/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 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

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

7/10/2026Wilderness Park--Densmore1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/8/2026Irvingdale Park2 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

7/4/2026Pioneers Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

157/13/2026

Mallard

57/13/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

17/13/2026

Mourning Dove

67/13/2026

Chimney Swift

47/13/2026

Killdeer

97/13/2026

Green Heron

17/13/2026

Great Egret

17/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

107/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

427/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

Western Kingbird

37/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

57/13/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/13/2026

Blue Jay

37/13/2026

American Crow

27/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/13/2026

Purple Martin

57/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area?
Birding at Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area?
Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.