Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Greater White-fronted 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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/6/2026Pawnee Lake SRA--NW 126th St.1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/6/2026Yankee Hill State WMA1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/6/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

3/6/2026Conestoga Lake SRA1 observed

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

Dark-eyed Junco (cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

3/1/2026Home2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

703/6/2026

Cackling Goose

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

2063/6/2026

Blue-winged Teal

33/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

113/6/2026

Gadwall

613/6/2026

American Wigeon

523/6/2026

Mallard

253/6/2026

Northern Pintail

43/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

453/6/2026

Redhead

163/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

53/6/2026

Greater Scaup

23/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

383/6/2026

Bufflehead

213/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

53/6/2026

Common Merganser

23/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/6/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

33/6/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/6/2026

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