Consists of 360 acres of very rugged and heavily wooded uplands, with some Native American petroglyphs near the north end and some trails. This site can be good for migrating warblers, flycatchers, and vireos.

Commonly seen birds:  Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, American Redstart

Birds to look for: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Vesper Sparrow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed deer; Raccoon; Woodchuck; Coyote

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy; public hunting in season

A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L603445.

 

Owned by the Lewis and Clark Natural Resource District, and leased and managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Buckskin Hills Lake serves as a flood-control reservoir. Designated as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Buckskin Hills Reservoir and pasture land provide access to fish, wildlife and hiking trails within its 340 acres. Amenities around Buckskin Hills Lake are few. Primitive restrooms are available and primitive camping is permitted. It is open to hunting, trapping and fishing. No-wake boating is allowed.

An 8- to 10-mile trail makes its way through the 265 acres of grasslands and woods surrounding the 75-acre lake. The trail attracts horseback riders, hikers, birders and wildlife watchers.

Commonly seen birds:  Common Yellowthroat, Lark Sparrow, Horned Lark

Birds to look for: Upland Sandpiper, Marsh Wren, Sora, Grasshopper Sparrow, Greater Prairie-Chicken

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed deer; Beaver; Bobcat; Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish; Crappie; Bluegill

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy; public hunting in season

A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L603439?yr=all.

 

When the Nebraska Department of Roads built the over-pass on highway 20 over highway 77, known as the Kingsbury Interchange, it created Crystal Cove Lake.

Crystal Cove is a 100-acre park on the southwest corner of South Sioux City, Nebraska. The park has a 33-acre lake, 1.5 mile bike/hike trail, nature trails, fishing and there is a shelter for rent. The park is home to over 200 species of birds and wildlife. Bird watching is a favorite activity of visitors to this park. The lake is stocked three times yearly with fish for summer and winter ice fishing.

Commonly seen birds:  Turkey Vulture, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Pied-billed Grebe

Birds to look for: Black crowned Night-Heron, Black Scoter, Song Sparrow, Osprey

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed deer

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy

A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L603443?yr=all

 

The Lewis & Clark Visitor Center rests atop Calumet Bluff, providing a spectacular view of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. In August of 1804, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed near Calumet Bluff and met with Yankton Sioux tribal members at their campsite.

The area is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and includes a 32,000-acre Missouri River reservoir and 1,227 acres of State Recreation Area. Seasonal birding should offer views of gulls, waterfowl by the tens of thousands and Bald Eagles are a common sight during migration and in winter.

Commonly seen birds:  Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Spotted Towhee, Western Kingbird

Birds to look for: Ross’s Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed deer, Coyote

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy

There are several species hot spot lists compiled from eBird observations for the Nebraska side and the South Dakota side of Gavin’s Point Dam. Here is a list specific for the Visitor Center: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2589210. Other hot spot lists are available for the Nebraska side and the South Dakota side of the dam and river.

 

Danish Alps State Recreation Area comprises a 219-acre lake surrounded by 520 acres of parkland. The area is named for the early Danish settlers in the area. Kramper Reservoir, named for Vince Kramper, was planned with shoreline and both fishing in mind. The area also offers camping and day use facilities. Kramper Reservoir is encircled by two trails – one for hiking and biking and another for horseback riding.

A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival. Hunting is allowed on the area south of 203rd Street from the first Tuesday following Labor Day through the end of the spring turkey season.

Commonly seen birds:  Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Pheasant, Eastern Bluebird

Birds to look for: Hooded Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Bobwhite, Trumpeter Swan

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed deer

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy; park entry fee; camping fees; public hunting in season

A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3590839?yr=all

 

One of Nebraska’s most visited state parks, Ponca State Park is popular for its forested hills, scenic vistas, great wildlife watching, Missouri river access and beautiful and varied lodging options. During the spring months, the wetlands at Ponca State Park are a popular layover spot for many migrating bird species. The park offers many seasonal activities, including guided bird tours during the spring, naturalist events and family activities during the summer, haunted hayrack rides complete with local actors and impressive props during the fall and its nationally famous Fruitcake Fling each winter.

Guests can explore the park’s backcountry on 22 miles of hike/bike trails. Guided hikes are offered to the public throughout the year and give visitors an opportunity to learn about the diversity of plants and animals within the park.

A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online.

 Commonly seen birds:  Wild Turkey, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Great Blue Heron, Western Meadowlark

Birds to look for: Golden-crowned Kinglet, Northern Shrike, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chestnut-sided Warbler

Other Inhabitants:  White-tailed deer, Raccoon, Coyotes

Be aware of:  ticks; poison ivy; park entry fee; camping/lodging fees

Ponca State Park has several hot spot lists compiled from eBird observations. The hot spots are based on different habitats within the park. The general park hot spot can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L863472?yr=all but be sure to check for other habitat-specific Ponca eBird hot spots.