Grassland birding habitat

Rowe Sanctuary

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rowe Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Red-winged Blackbird 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

Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group)

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

4/16/2026Rowe Sanctuary--Southwest Meadows (restricted access)3 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

4/16/2026Rowe Sanctuary--Southwest Meadows (restricted access)1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

4/14/2026Bassway Gravel Ponds (private property, view from road)11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

24/16/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/16/2026

Barn Swallow

24/16/2026

American Robin

44/16/2026

House Sparrow

84/16/2026

Song Sparrow

24/16/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

14/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

544/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

254/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/14/2026

American Wigeon

14/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/14/2026

Mourning Dove

104/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

European Starling

474/14/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/14/2026

Field Sparrow

14/14/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/14/2026

Vesper Sparrow

14/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Rowe Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Rowe Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rowe Sanctuary?
Notable species at Rowe Sanctuary include Mallard, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Snow Goose, Canada Goose. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rowe Sanctuary?
Birding at Rowe Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rowe Sanctuary?
Rowe Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.