Wetland birding habitat

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada 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

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

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

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/31/2026DeSoto NWR (IA)3 observed

Sandhill Crane (Greater)

Antigone canadensis

5/31/2026County Road 51, Fort Calhoun US-NE 41.43195, -95.964101 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/30/2026Hummel Park

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

5/27/2026First Home | Omaha

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/27/2026First Home | Omaha1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Nighthawk

25/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

45/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

35/31/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

15/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/31/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

American Robin

55/29/2026

Orchard Oriole

35/29/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/29/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/28/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.