Forest birding habitat

Fontenelle Forest

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fontenelle Forest is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, and American Robin 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

Pandion haliaetus

7/22/2026Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue US-NE 41.18029, -95.916441 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

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

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

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

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

7/16/2026Big Elk Lake1 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/10/2026Fontenelle Forest--Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

87/22/2026

Mourning Dove

67/22/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/22/2026

Northern Flicker

17/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

57/22/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/22/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

77/22/2026

Blue Jay

47/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/22/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/22/2026

Purple Martin

17/22/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/22/2026

Northern House Wren

57/22/2026

Carolina Wren

27/22/2026

Gray Catbird

117/22/2026

Wood Thrush

17/22/2026

American Robin

17/22/2026

American Goldfinch

27/22/2026

Eastern Towhee

27/22/2026

Orchard Oriole

17/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Fontenelle Forest for birding?
The best months to visit Fontenelle Forest for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fontenelle Forest?
Notable species at Fontenelle Forest include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Greater White-fronted Goose. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fontenelle Forest?
Birding at Fontenelle Forest is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fontenelle Forest?
Fontenelle Forest offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.