Holmes Lake

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Holmes Lake is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

3003/6/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

6503/6/2026

Cackling Goose

1503/6/2026

Canada Goose

853/6/2026

Blue-winged Teal

23/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

33/6/2026

Mallard

853/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

73/6/2026

Bufflehead

43/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

33/6/2026

Killdeer

43/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

73/6/2026

European Starling

13/6/2026

American Robin

253/6/2026

House Sparrow

33/6/2026

House Finch

13/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

43/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

353/6/2026

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 Holmes Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Holmes Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Holmes Lake?
Notable species at Holmes Lake include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Holmes Lake?
Birding at Holmes Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Holmes Lake?
Holmes Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.