Nebraska Association of Bed and Breakfasts

Nebraska Birding
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Bird enthusiasts know about Nebraska. It is easy to include a little bird watching in your Nebraska getaway, or to build your entire itinerary around birds. Many Nebraska Bed and Breakfasts are located near excellent birding spots around the state.

Sandhill Cranes are the first birds that come to mind when thinking about birding in Nebraska. There is fossil evidence indicating that these birds have lived in what is now Nebraska for millions of years, and they are still thriving today. A good place to learn about Sandhill Cranes is at the Rowe Sanctuary in the Platte River Valley, near Gibbon. The Platte River Valley is an essential stopover for the cranes during their spring migration to nesting grounds in the north; the shallow channels and sandbars of the river provides a safe place for the birds to rest, and nearby abundant farmland provides ample food for them. 

Sandhill Cranes are quite social, which makes observing them interesting and entertaining. It is not uncommon to see them dancing together during the day. The best time to view the cranes at the Rowe Sanctuary is usually March and early April, when they are on their way north. On their way back south, the cranes typically fly over the Platte River Valley between September and November; it is unusual for them to linger in the valley, as they do in the spring.

Burchard Lake, south of Lincoln, is a good spot to view fascinating prairie chickens. Those willing to be up before dawn will find the male’s mating dances well worth the effort. A little bird viewing before breakfast stimulates the appetite – and it is always good to sit down to a meal at a Nebraska Bed and Breakfast ready to eat. 

In Northwest Nebraska, the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is a great spot to view ring-neck pheasants and sharp-tailed grouse year round. Many other species stop here during their annual migration, thanks to the rich wetlands of the Niobrara River. In the Northeast, you’ll want to bring your binoculars to the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area. Wild turkey and bald eagles are frequently spotted here.

	Burchell's White Hill Farmhouse Inn Phone: 308-832-1323 Burchell's White Hill Farmhouse Inn is located in the Central Flyway and is a site on the Nebraska Birding Trail. Great place to enjoy nearby sandhill crane migration in the spring. Over half a million cranes will rest and relax on the Platte River before heading north. Both western and eastern birds visit this area. Kearney (Minden), Nebraska View more details and photos   Go to Website
	The Hanlon House B&B Phone: 308-220-4161 Toll Free: 888-357-4161 The concierge at The Hanlon House B&B can arrange for you to explore the many birding venues in this area, both immediate and extended. Personal friends will help us design the perfect trips for you for 1 - 4 day excursions using The Hanlon House B&B as a central location for each day trip. A personal guide to these sites may also be arranged. Scottsbluff, Nebraska View more details and photos   Go to Website
	My Blue Heaven B&B Phone: 402-852-3131 Pawnee County has 7 areas where you can watch the hundreds of different kinds of birds that are there. There are 2 lakes, Burchard and Iron Horse that you can view birds and several wildlife management areas that are open to the public. At Burchard Lake there are the Prarie Chickens that can be seen during the months of March and April.You will want to go early out to sit in the blinds and have breakfast later. Come and stay at My Blue Heaven Bed and Breakfast. Pawnee City, Nebraska View more details and photos
	Gandy House Phone: 402-862-3278 Birding fans can view many different birds along Steamboat Trace Trail which runs parallel to the Missouri River or visit Indian Cave State Park. You can stay with us at Gandy House Bed & Breakfast and ride 30 miles East to Brownville, Ne or Indian Cave State Park. Humboldt, Nebraska View more details and photos   Go to Website
	Barn Anew B&B Phone: 308-632-8647 Endless bird watching opportunities abound just out the door of Barn Anew Bed and Breakfast. Sitting on our balcony or in our courtyard you will be able to view a large variety of birds. However, the real treasure is just two miles south of the Barn, where you find the North Platte River environment,and 4 miles north of the Barn step into 13,000 acres of beautiful Wildlands. Check out Platte River Basin Environments, Inc., a Nature Conservancy partner at: www.nebwild.org. Mitchell, Nebraska View more details and photos   Go to Website
	KrazyWoman B&B Phone: 402-719-6161 Krazywoman Bed and Breakfast is 7 acres of fruit, nut and shade trees. located in the loess hills, with farm land and Krazywoman Creek. A perfect safe place for birds to nest and raise young. Pine, spruce and fur trees, honeysuckle and numerous blossoming plants and shrubs to attract birds and butterflies. We have resident and migratory species. A little bird viewing before breakfast stimulates the appetite. Bring your binoculars and be our guests at Krazywoman Bed and Breakfast. Scribner, Nebraska View more details and photos
	Pine Crest Farms B&B Phone: 402-784-6461 There are lots of birds to see on our property. If you're wanting to become better acquainted with our feathered friends, you can enjoy watching them gather at one of the many feeders just outside our sun room/porch. Cardinals, blue jays, finches, a var Lincoln (Valparaiso), Nebraska View more details and photos   Go to Website
	Whispering Pines B&B Phone: 402-873-5850 Toll Free: 877-277-3577 Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast sits on just over 6 acres with over 20 species of birds enjoying the landscape. From the seasonal robins and finches to the year-round blue-jays and cardinals. So, bring your binoculars and come visit Whispering Pines. Nebraska City, Nebraska View more details and photos   Go to Website