Northwest Nebraska’s vast public lands provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Some of the most noted areas for birdwatching are Gilbert Baker Wildlife Management Area and the nearby Sowbelly Canyon north of Harrison, along with Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area south of Chadron and Crawford. At Gilbert Baker, visitors can see Pinyon Jays, White-throated Swifts, Swainson’s Thrushes, Cordilleran Flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireos and Violet-green Swallows. 

Nearly 200 species have been spotted at Box Butte SRA. Species range from waterfowl such as wood, mallard and ring-necked ducks and snow and Canadian geese to turkeys, woodpeckers, swallows, kingbirds, sparrows, falcons and more.

The Oglala National Grasslands, a variety of wildlife management areas and two state parks are also prime birding locations. Even Northwest Nebraska’s community’s can pay off for birders. Visit https://ebird.org/home to learn more about Northwest Nebraska’s birding hotspots and to download birding checklists for Northwest Nebraska locations. The Nebraska Birding Guide is another great resource, featuring the Pine Ridge Specialties.