River/Riparian birding habitat

Walnut Creek RA

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Walnut Creek RA is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Lesser Scaup 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

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/21/2026Waterloo Sand (private, view from shoulder)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/21/2026Waterloo Sand (private, view from shoulder)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/20/2026Fontenelle Forest--Nature Center1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

7/19/2026Waterloo Sand (private, view from shoulder)2 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/19/2026N. P. Dodge Park1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/17/2026Platte River SP--Stone Creek Falls2 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

7/16/2026Big Elk Lake1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

7/13/2026400–448 County Road O, Yutan US-NE 41.26272, -96.369581 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

7/12/2026LakeHouse1 observed

Osprey (American)

Pandion haliaetus

7/12/2026Pershing Drive hike-bike trail3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

57/17/2026

Mourning Dove

47/17/2026

Green Heron

37/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Bald Eagle

17/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

87/17/2026

Barn Swallow

117/17/2026

Gray Catbird

17/17/2026

American Robin

77/17/2026

American Goldfinch

37/17/2026

Orchard Oriole

17/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/17/2026

Canada Goose

7/15/2026

Mallard

7/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/15/2026

Bell's Vireo

27/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/15/2026

Purple Martin

27/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Walnut Creek RA for birding?
The best months to visit Walnut Creek RA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Walnut Creek RA?
Notable species at Walnut Creek RA include Canada Goose, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Walnut Creek RA?
Birding at Walnut Creek RA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Walnut Creek RA?
Walnut Creek RA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.