Lake birding habitat

Stagecoach Lake State Recreation Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Stagecoach Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling 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

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

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

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

5/27/2026Bobcat Prairie -- West1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/26/2026Bluestem Lake SRA2 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

5/26/2026Pioneers Park Nature Center1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

5/26/2026Conestoga Lake SRA--South1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6/2/2026

Northern Bobwhite

16/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

106/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

66/2/2026

Mourning Dove

6/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

46/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

86/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

96/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

66/2/2026

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