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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/20266545 Ballard Ave, Lincoln US-NE (40.8558,-96.6306)1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

7/20/2026Dove house2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/17/2026Pawnee Lake SRA--NW 126th St.1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

7/16/2026Wilderness Park--Densmore1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/16/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/13/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/11/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/18/2026

Mallard

367/18/2026

Mourning Dove

107/18/2026

Killdeer

67/18/2026

Green Heron

17/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Bald Eagle

27/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Northern Flicker

27/18/2026

Western Kingbird

67/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

107/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

47/18/2026

Blue Jay

57/18/2026

Barn Swallow

207/18/2026

European Starling

1507/18/2026

Gray Catbird

27/18/2026

American Robin

47/18/2026

House Sparrow

37/18/2026

House Finch

57/18/2026

American Goldfinch

37/18/2026

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.