Standing Bear Lake

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Standing Bear Lake is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Canvasback 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

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

3/5/2026Walnut Creek RA1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/3/2026The Oaks1 observed

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

Redpoll (Common)

Acanthis flammea

2/28/2026Fontenelle Forest--Nature Center1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

2/26/2026Chalco Hills RA1 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

2/25/20267117 South 50th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, US (41.188, -95.992)1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

2/25/2026Fontenelle Park, Omaha US-NE 41.29611, -95.983121 observed

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

2/24/2026DeSoto NWR (NE)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2/27/2026

Mallard

2/27/2026

Canvasback

2/27/2026

Ring-necked Duck

2/27/2026

American Robin

22/27/2026

Redhead

2/27/2026

Gadwall

2/26/2026

Common Goldeneye

2/26/2026

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 Standing Bear Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Standing Bear Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Standing Bear Lake?
Notable species at Standing Bear Lake include Canada Goose, Mallard, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, American Robin. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Standing Bear Lake?
Birding at Standing Bear Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Standing Bear Lake?
Standing Bear Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.