Lake birding habitat

Lake Ogallala

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Ogallala is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Spotted x Eastern Towhee (hybrid)

Pipilo maculatus x erythrophthalmus

6/2/2026Cedar Point Biological Station2 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

6/1/2026Lake McConaughy--Cedar View5 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

6/1/2026Cabin Area, Lake McConaughy1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/1/2026Cedar Point Biological Station1 observed

Ring-necked Duck x Lesser Scaup (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x affinis

6/1/2026Cedar Point Biological Station1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

6/1/2026Lake McConaughy--Cedar View2 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/1/2026Lake McConaughy--Cedar View1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

6/1/2026Lake McConaughy--Cedar View17 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

6/1/2026Lake McConaughy--Cedar View1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

6/1/2026Lake McConaughy--Cedar View5 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/1/2026Lake McConaughy--Cedar View1 observed

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

6/1/2026Unnamed Road n of Spring Park5 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/30/2026Lake Ogallala4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Screech-Owl

46/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

86/2/2026

Tree Swallow

46/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

146/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/2/2026

Bell's Vireo

26/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

26/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Field Sparrow

16/2/2026

Spotted Towhee

26/2/2026

Spotted x Eastern Towhee (hybrid)

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/2/2026

Western Kingbird

36/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

26/2/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/2/2026

Blue Grosbeak

26/2/2026

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