Sandhills Journey Birding

Birds of the Byway

The Nebraska Sandhills is a habitat for numerous bird species throughout the year. These birds vary in their presence, with some staying all year, some seasonally, and others stopping briefly during their yearly migrations. Click a bird species for more information.

Blackbirds & Orioles

• Yellow-headed Blackbird
• Bobolink
• Baltimore Oriole
• Red-winged Blackbird

Eagles

• Bald Eagle

Falcons

• Prairie Falcon

Grouse

• Northern Bobwhite
• Greater Prairie Chicken
• Sharp-tailed Grouse

Hawks

• Ferruginous Hawk
• Northern Harrier

Herons & Egrets

• White Face Ibis
• Great Egret

Kingbird & Finch

• American Goldfinch
• Western Kingbird
• Eastern Kingbird

Larks

• Western Meadowlark

Owls

• Burrowing Owl

Pelicans & Cranes

• Whooping Crane
• Sandhill Crane
• American White Pelican

Plovers & Shorebirds

• Black-Necked Stilt
• Piping Plover
• Long-billed Curlew
• Upland Sandpiper

Shrikes

• Loggerhead Shrike
• Northern Shrike

Sparrows & Waxwings

• Cedar Waxwing
• Harris's Sparrow
• Field Sparrow
• White-crowned Sparrow
• Dickcissel
• Chipping Sparrow

Swans

• Trumpeter Swan

Thrashers

• Brown Thrasher

Vultures

• Turkey Vulture

Woodpeckers

• Northern Flicker
• Red-headed Woodpecker

Essential Birding Stops

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is situated around 28 miles north of Oshkosh, Nebraska. Its establishment in 1931 aimed to safeguard waterfowl populations. Located in Garden County at the eastern edge of the Nebraska panhandle, it lies on the southwestern border of the expansive Nebraska Sandhills. The Nebraska Sandhills are known for their vast stretches of grass and forb-covered dunes and swales, making them the world's largest non-desert sand formation. Among these swales, sub-irrigated meadows, marshes, and lakes have formed where the water table intersects. Interestingly, most wetlands in this area are not connected by any streams but are sustained by underground water sources.

Covering an area of 45,849 acres, the Refuge is predominantly grasslands adorned with numerous permanent, semipermanent, and temporary wetlands. It falls under the administration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) as part of the Crescent Lake/North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Complex headquarters, located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, lies 100 miles to the west.

Nebraska National Forest at Halsey

Located just outside Halsey, NE, the Nebraska National Forest is an ideal destination for avid birdwatchers. Spanning over 90,000 acres, this forest offers diverse terrain and ecosystems, providing ample space for exploration. With three campgrounds available, visitors have plenty of options to immerse themselves in nature. The forest's ever-changing landscape presents a unique opportunity to encounter a wide variety of bird species. Throughout the year, more than 100 species can be observed in this area. Whether you prefer the Middle Loup River valley, the high-plains grasslands, or the pine forests, you can easily switch between different viewing areas and habitats within minutes, ensuring an exciting and dynamic birdwatching experience.

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

The Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, spanning 71,516 acres in the Sandhills of north-central Nebraska, is a vital part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. With over 500 refuges covering approximately 93 million acres nationwide, this refuge stands out for its unique ecological importance. The native grass prairie and wetlands found within the refuge provide a diverse habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Remarkably, the landscape has remained largely unchanged since historic times. Congress established the refuge in 1935 with the purpose of serving as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Today, it is home to an impressive variety of species, including 270 species of birds, 59 species of mammals, and 22 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Recognizing its significance, the Audubon Society designated the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge as a Nebraska Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2005. The IBA program, managed by the National Audubon Society, aims to identify key sites within a state that support large populations and a diverse array of bird species. It serves as a conservation and education initiative with no regulatory authority. The application for IBA status underwent a thorough review by a technical committee, which acknowledged the refuge's abundant species diversity and noted the substantial population of greater prairie chickens found within its boundaries.

Crane Trust and Sandhill Crane Migration

The Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center, located just west of Grand Island, is renowned as one of the top destinations in the United States for observing the Sandhill Crane migration. Even outside of the migration season, bird enthusiasts have ample reasons to visit this nature center. The center offers a variety of attractions, including wildlife displays, trails that run alongside the Platte River, a 35-foot observation tower, and various birdwatching opportunities that are available year-round. If you are embarking on a birding adventure along Highway 2, be sure to make the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center your first stop.

Avocet Wlidlife Management Area

The Avocet Wildlife Management Area covers 188 acres of preserved land, with over 100 acres dedicated to wetlands and open water. This groundwater-fed lake provides a habitat for diverse waterfowl species, including pelicans and furbearers. It also serves as a vital resting place for migratory birds.