Site Description: The North Platte NWR was established in 1916 as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds in the Nebraska panhandle. The Refuge is superimposed over four Bureau of Reclamation irrigation projects: Lake Minatare, Winters Creek Lake, Lake Alice, and Stateline Island.

Ornithological Summary: The Refuge checklist is 228 species long, with 42 known nesters and 20 additional possible breeders. The American Bird Conservancy designated Lake Minatare as a “globally significant” wintering area for waterfowl. The Winters Creek Lake unit is 350 acres of water with accompanying 349 acres of grass/scrub and trees, and in the winter one can see every species of waterfowl in the area. Species of concern include Long-billed Curlew, Red-headed Woodpecker, Dickcissel, and Northern Harrier. Lake Alice is 1,360 acres in size and its low fall water levels providing excellent habitat for thousands of shorebirds. It also has a breeding Bald Eagle pair, and attracts migrating Sandhill Cranes and nesting Lark Sparrows.

Link:
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=64511

http://nebraskabirdingtrails.com/north-platte-national-wildlife-refuge-including-lake-minatare-state-recreation-area/

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.