Lake birding habitat

Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Broad-winged Hawk (Northern)

Buteo platypterus

5/30/2026Smith Lake WMA1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/30/2026Smith Lake WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

505/30/2026

Blue-winged Teal

155/30/2026

Green-winged Teal

15/30/2026

Ruddy Duck

205/30/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

105/30/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/30/2026

Killdeer

155/30/2026

Marbled Godwit

45/30/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

25/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

55/30/2026

Willet

85/30/2026

Franklin's Gull

15/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

85/30/2026

Caspian Tern

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

205/30/2026

White-faced Ibis

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

American White Pelican

505/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

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 Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.