Site Description: Owned and operated as a nature center by the Fontenelle Nature Association, this 1,300-acre property along the Missouri River in Bellevue consists of hardwood deciduous forest, extensive floodplain, loess hills, and marshlands.

Ornithological Summary: Situated along the river’s flyway, Fontenelle Forest remains one of the best migrant stopovers in eastern Nebraska. In all, 246 species have been recorded, among them 35 species of warblers. Birder’s World named it one of the top ten warbler viewing spots in the United States. It is one of the few known places in the state that supports Pileated Woodpeckers. Other species of concern present include Kentucky, Prothonotary, and Cerulean Warbler; Wood Thrush; Red-shouldered Hawk; Grasshopper Sparrow; and Whip-poor-will.

Links:

http://www.fontenelleforest.org

For more information, call or write Kevin Poague, Important Bird Areas Coordinator, Audubon Nebraska, P.O. Box 117, 11700 SW 100th Street, Denton, NE 68339 402-797-2301, Fax: 402-797-2304.