Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail

Nebraska · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Mallard 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

Snow Goose Ross's Goose Mallard Common Merganser Eurasian Collared-Dove

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group)

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

4/16/2026Rowe Sanctuary--Southwest Meadows (restricted access)3 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

4/16/2026Rowe Sanctuary--Southwest Meadows (restricted access)1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

4/14/2026Bassway Gravel Ponds (private property, view from road)11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

384/15/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

504/15/2026

Gadwall

124/15/2026

American Wigeon

64/15/2026

Mallard

264/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

54/15/2026

Redhead

14/15/2026

Ring-necked Duck

184/15/2026

Bufflehead

14/15/2026

Northern Bobwhite

14/15/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/15/2026

American Coot

524/15/2026

Killdeer

24/15/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

44/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

24/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Nebraska

Rowe Sanctuary — Platte River

Home to the world's largest Sandhill Crane gathering — 500,000+ each spring on the Platte River.

Bazile Creek Wildlife Management Area

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Nebraska with 224 recorded species.

Bluestem Lake State Recreation Area

Lake birding hotspot in Nebraska with 226 recorded species.

Nebraska Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Nebraska →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail for birding?▼

The best months to visit Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail?▼

Notable species at Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Eurasian Collared-Dove. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail?▼

Birding at Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail?▼

Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.