Wildlife

Discovery of unspoiled charm of the Loup River Basin

Nebraska wildlife abounds throughout the Loup River Basin. Common species found include deer, both white-tailed and mule; Raccoon, Prairie Dogs, Coyote, Badger, Skunk, Opossum, Porcupine, Ground Squirrel.  Less common, but inhabitants of the area are: ferret, bobcat, fox, and more secretive wildlife.

Over 400 species of birds inhabit this area of Nebraska.  You will find Wild Turkey, Greater Prairie Chicken and Sharp-Tailed Grouse, Hawks, Owls and many species of songbirds.  During various times of the year, birdwatchers can see Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, burrowing owls, and many uncommon songbirds, such as the scarlet tanager, blue grosbeak, indigo bunting, bluebirds and more.

A partial list includes: Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch, American Avocet, Belted Kingfisher, Long-billed Curlew, Tufted Titmouse, Blue Jay, Bobwhite Quail, Wood Duck, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Short-eared owl, Great horn owl, Saw Whet owl, Barn Owl, Snowy Owl, Robin, Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron, Cattle Egret, Greater Yellow Legs, Dickcissel, Eastern and Western Meadowlark, Kestrel, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Brown Thrasher, Common Grackle, Snipe, Upland Sandpiper, Plover, Phalarope, Lark Bunting, Yellow Throated Warbler, Vireo, Northern Shrike, Northern Harrier, American Tree Sparrow, Harris Sparrow, Magpie, Mallard, Junco, Towhee, Chimney Swift, Swallow, Pinesisken, Cedar Waxwing, Red-breasted grosbeak, Redwing black bird and hundreds more.

Go to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website:  http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/

For a list of private viewing grounds contact the Loup Basin RC&D. Public Areas exist along scenic by-ways, Highways 11/91, and 2. Other Wildlife Areas include: Davis Creek, Happy Jack Chalk Mine, Sherman and Calamus Reservoirs