Scarlet tanager at Ponca State Park.
JON FARRAR, NEBRASKALAND
Eastern whip-poor-wills can be heard at night at Keller Park State Recreation Area.
DAKOTA BIRDER
Yellow-breasted chats can be seen at
Rock Creek Station State Recreation
Area.
JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area
Spring and fall migration are the periods to visit this and other Salt Valley
lakes. Waterfowl, loons, grebes, pelicans, gulls and bald eagles all pass through
in healthy numbers. During dry periods in spring and fall, the upper ends of the
lake can host a variety of shorebirds attracted to exposed mudfl ats. Wooded
areas and grasslands around the lake hold additional avian species.
Keller Park State
Recreation Area
This lesser known SRA is a wonderful
out-of-the-way place to escape from
it all and center one's life by watching
birds. The extensive mixed forests of
the Middle Niobrara region extends
up along Bone Creek, which bisects
this area. Summer inhabitants
include eastern wood-pewees, black-
and-white warblers and American
redstarts. Do not overlook the eastern
phoebe nesting under the picnic
shelter. Overnight campers have
excellent chances of being serenaded
by a chorus of eastern whip-poor-
wills.
Ponca State Park
The mix of oak-covered bluff s, river
bottom and unchannelized Missouri
River translates into a wonderful
diversity of birds any time of year.
In early spring, waterfowl make a
splash as immense fl ocks push north
and an ever-changing diversity of
migrants continues through May. Do
not overlook summer breeders that
include ruby-throated hummingbirds,
Baltimore orioles and scarlet
tanagers. Keep your ears open for the
mellifl uous song of the wood thrush.
Rock Creek Station State
Recreation Area
Tucked away in the southwestern
corner of the state, this is a hidden
treasure for both birds and birders
alike. Surrounded by prairie and
cropland, this small oasis serves as
an important stopover site for a high
diversity of species during spring
and fall migration. Plus, the placid
lake surrounded by shrubs provides
ample nesting habitat for Bell's
vireos and yellow-breasted chats,
two vocal species that are more
often heard than seen.
April 2021 • Nebraskaland 113
American white pelicans at Branched Oak State Recreation Area. DINA BARTA
