Lake birding habitat

Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 277 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

5/31/2026Oak Glen WMA2 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

106/2/2026

Northern Bobwhite

16/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

66/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

26/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

36/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Western Meadowlark

16/2/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

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 Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Ring-billed Gull, American White Pelican, Bald Eagle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area?
Birding at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area?
Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.