Lake birding habitat

Holmes Lake

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Holmes Lake is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

6/2/202668512, Lincoln US-NE 40.73785, -96.710061 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/2/2026Yankee Hill State WMA1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

6/1/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/31/2026Yankee Hill State WMA1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/31/2026Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/30/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

5/30/2026Conestoga Lake SRA2 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/28/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

286/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Chimney Swift

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

26/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

76/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

36/2/2026

European Starling

56/2/2026

American Robin

146/2/2026

House Sparrow

26/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

36/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

26/2/2026

Common Grackle

106/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Western Kingbird

16/2/2026

House Finch

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Holmes Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Holmes Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Holmes Lake?
Notable species at Holmes Lake include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Holmes Lake?
Birding at Holmes Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Holmes Lake?
Holmes Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.