Lake birding habitat

Standing Bear Lake

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Osprey (American)

Pandion haliaetus

6/2/2026Pershing Drive hike-bike trail2 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

6/2/2026Fontenelle Park1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

6/2/2026Pershing Drive hike-bike trail1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/1/2026Walnut Creek RA1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/1/2026Forest City RA1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk (Northern)

Buteo platypterus

6/1/2026Chalco Hills RA1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Glacier Creek Preserve2 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026Blackstone District, 40th and Harney1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/31/2026First Home | Omaha1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/31/2026DeSoto NWR (IA)3 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Backyard1 observed

Sandhill Crane (Greater)

Antigone canadensis

5/31/2026County Road 51, Fort Calhoun US-NE 41.43195, -95.964101 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Fontenelle Forest--Uplands North1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/30/2026Hummel Park

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

Carolina Wren

16/2/2026

American Robin

46/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

36/2/2026

Canada Goose

145/31/2026

Wood Duck

85/31/2026

Mallard

335/31/2026

Wild Turkey

45/31/2026

Mourning Dove

125/31/2026

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.