North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare

Nebraska · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare is a productive birding destination in Nebraska, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Cochran Lake1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/4/2026Buffalo Creek WMA1 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

3/4/2026Buffalo Creek WMA1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/4/2026Cochran Lake1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

3/3/2026Buffalo Creek WMA1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/22/2026North Platte NWR--Winters Creek350 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

453/5/2026

Canada Goose

903/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

223/5/2026

Gadwall

1503/5/2026

American Wigeon

2103/5/2026

Mallard

1303/5/2026

Northern Pintail

103/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

153/5/2026

Redhead

653/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

83/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

253/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/5/2026

Common Merganser

23/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

103/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

63/5/2026

American White Pelican

13/5/2026

Bald Eagle

23/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

63/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

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 North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare for birding?
The best months to visit North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare?
Notable species at North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare?
Birding at North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare?
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Minatare offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.