Bluestem Lake State Recreation Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bluestem Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Cackling 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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Pioneers Park Nature Center13 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

3/5/2026Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center2 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026UNL City Campus1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/2026Stagecoach Lake SRA1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

3/3/2026Yard List1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/3/2026Pioneers Park1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

3/1/2026Home2 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

2/28/2026Stagecoach Lake SRA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

3/4/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

3/4/2026

Cackling Goose

3/4/2026

Canada Goose

3/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

63/4/2026

Gadwall

93/4/2026

Mallard

133/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

403/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

53/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

43/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

American White Pelican

503/4/2026

American Robin

23/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Ross's Goose

103/1/2026

Northern Pintail

63/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

323/1/2026

American Herring Gull

23/1/2026

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