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

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

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

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/14/2026Lake Cunningham1 observed

Osprey (American)

Pandion haliaetus

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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/10/2026Heron Haven5 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/9/202660th Street and Sahler, Omaha, Nebraska, US (41.297, -96.005)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

47/19/2026

Killdeer

37/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Green Heron

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

37/19/2026

Northern Flicker

37/19/2026

American Kestrel

17/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/19/2026

Blue Jay

27/19/2026

Barn Swallow

37/19/2026

Northern House Wren

37/19/2026

Gray Catbird

27/19/2026

Wood Thrush

17/19/2026

American Robin

27/19/2026

House Sparrow

17/19/2026

American Goldfinch

47/19/2026

Orchard Oriole

17/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/19/2026

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.