Traveling Through Nebraska's High Plains Birdwatching Guides
As one traverses the vast expanse of Nebraska's High Plains, the diversity of avifauna becomes increasingly apparent. Located in the central Great Plains region of North America, the High Plains Birding Trail in Nebraska offers an unparalleled birdwatching experience. This trail spans the span of the high plains region from northwestern to eastern Nebraska. Spanning over 150 miles, and covering an area of 25 counties, the trail traverses through unique geological formations and distinct ecological zones. The resulting variety of habitats provide homes to an incredible assortment of birdlife.
One exemplary location along the High Plains Birding Trail is the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge located at 44629 Hwy 89, Ellsworth, Nebraska 69340. With nearly 45,000 acres dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation and management, Crescent Lake boasts unspoiled wetlands and grasslands that attract over 300 bird species, including American Avocet, Clark's Grebe, and Sedge Wren. Birdwatchers will have a unique opportunity to witness the annual migrations of waterfowl as they cross over the North American continent. As a popular stop for those traveling the High Plains Birding Trail, it is easy to understand why bird enthusiasts from across the country gravitate towards this spot for optimal birdwatching.
Within the region of north-central Nebraska lies Lake Mcconaughy, a 30 mile-long man-made lake. This vast body of water plays host to millions of waterfowl. Here, birders can see species such as whooping cranes and American pelicans. A 63-mile scenic driving route surrounds this lake. Providing ample opportunities to sight riverine and waterfowl species and birds that depend on water to thrive. Two primary ports along the 30-mile lake shoreline lie Martin Bay, the central port which goes into Ogallala, and Lemoyne. Lemoyne is the major port which heads into Ogallala, but is connected by many boat ramps located on both Lisco, Martin Bay and Arthur Bay.
Birdwatching could easily require an understanding of the ecosystem. This reality makes it important to know about the multiple migration routes that cross over Nebraska. After understanding the migration patterns of the birds going to the Great Plains in the country, birdwatching enthusiasts can benefit from analyzing information from earlier months on those same migration patterns, from long-term knowledgeable travelers who keep birds journals many times throughout the years with detailed accounts and diaries of climate changes.
One exemplary location along the High Plains Birding Trail is the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge located at 44629 Hwy 89, Ellsworth, Nebraska 69340. With nearly 45,000 acres dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation and management, Crescent Lake boasts unspoiled wetlands and grasslands that attract over 300 bird species, including American Avocet, Clark's Grebe, and Sedge Wren. Birdwatchers will have a unique opportunity to witness the annual migrations of waterfowl as they cross over the North American continent. As a popular stop for those traveling the High Plains Birding Trail, it is easy to understand why bird enthusiasts from across the country gravitate towards this spot for optimal birdwatching.
Within the region of north-central Nebraska lies Lake Mcconaughy, a 30 mile-long man-made lake. This vast body of water plays host to millions of waterfowl. Here, birders can see species such as whooping cranes and American pelicans. A 63-mile scenic driving route surrounds this lake. Providing ample opportunities to sight riverine and waterfowl species and birds that depend on water to thrive. Two primary ports along the 30-mile lake shoreline lie Martin Bay, the central port which goes into Ogallala, and Lemoyne. Lemoyne is the major port which heads into Ogallala, but is connected by many boat ramps located on both Lisco, Martin Bay and Arthur Bay.
Birdwatching could easily require an understanding of the ecosystem. This reality makes it important to know about the multiple migration routes that cross over Nebraska. After understanding the migration patterns of the birds going to the Great Plains in the country, birdwatching enthusiasts can benefit from analyzing information from earlier months on those same migration patterns, from long-term knowledgeable travelers who keep birds journals many times throughout the years with detailed accounts and diaries of climate changes.
