Wetland birding habitat

Yankee Hill State Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Yankee Hill State Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This wetland 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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

6/1/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands1 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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/28/2026Marsh Wren Community Wetlands2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Northern Bobwhite

36/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/1/2026

Purple Martin

66/1/2026

Gray Catbird

36/1/2026

American Robin

26/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/1/2026

Common Grackle

26/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/1/2026

Dickcissel

35/31/2026

Canada Goose

155/31/2026

Mallard

75/31/2026

Mourning Dove

45/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

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