Wetland birding habitat

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/30/2026Fort Falls Nature Trail, Valentine US-NE 42.90251, -100.472451 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

5/30/2026Fort Falls Nature Trail, Valentine US-NE 42.90251, -100.472451 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

5/29/2026Fort Niobrara NWR--Fort Falls Trail1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/28/2026Borman Bridge WMA1 observed

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

5/28/2026Valentine Hatchery - Government Canyon1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/27/2026stakeout Painted Bunting--Valentine (2026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

75/29/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Northern Flicker

15/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/29/2026

Blue Jay

25/29/2026

American Crow

25/29/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/29/2026

Barn Swallow

15/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/29/2026

Northern House Wren

25/29/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/29/2026

American Robin

35/29/2026

Cedar Waxwing

35/29/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

25/29/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/29/2026

Field Sparrow

15/29/2026

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 Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.