Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Tundra Swan (Whistling)

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026Waterloo Sand (private property, view from shoulder)9 observed

Snow x Ross's Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x rossii

3/1/2026Still Water Lake [sandpit; private property] (Douglas County)1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Waterloo Sand (private property, view from shoulder)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

2002/27/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

20002/27/2026

Canada Goose

40002/27/2026

Mallard

2002/27/2026

Northern Pintail

2002/27/2026

Common Goldeneye

122/27/2026

Common Merganser

22/27/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

42/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

5002/27/2026

American Herring Gull

42/27/2026

Bald Eagle

182/27/2026

American Crow

12/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

82/27/2026

Ross's Goose

252/27/2026

American Wigeon

22/27/2026

Redhead

142/27/2026

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 Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands?
Notable species at Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands?
Birding at Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands?
Lake Wanahoo - Sand Creek Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.