Stockton Lake SP is a premier locale for viewing waterfowl from late fall through early spring. Because of its location, depth and orientation, water remains open here longer than at most Missouri reservoirs. Although the Brant was a one season bird seen to the north of the park, the 18 duck and 3 goose species (missing Ross’s) on the list are likely to be seen from the park. Expect Bald Eagles. Common Loon, Pied-billed, Horned and Eared Grebe are likely in winter. A spotting scope is essential, as the lake is wide at most points.

Birders may be missing good opportunities to observe migrating (especially spring) passerines. April and May reports here are few. The park sits on a peninsula jutting into the lake at the point the two waterways/arms converge. This is ideal, geographically, to form a spring migrant trap, as northbound birds are funneled by the prevailing southwest winds to the point, then face a good expanse of water to cross to continue their journey. The woods along the road to the beach and the area near the beach parking lot probably teem with migrants on days no birder is there to observe them.

Summer waders around the lake include Great Blue, Little Blue and Green Heron, Great, Snowy and Cattle Egret. All swallow species have been reported. Purple Martins stage at the lake in mid-late July. Kingfishers work shallow coves. All woodpecker species may be seen (sapsuckers and flickers more likely fall-spring). Raptors at lakeside include Osprey, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s, Red-tailed, Swainson’s (one record), Red-shouldered, and Broad-winged Hawk. Breeding flycatchers include Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian and Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe and a good population of Eastern Kingbird. Five species of vireos probably nest in the park; Blue-headed and Philadelphia may be seen in migration. Breeding passerines show a good mix of expected south Missouri species. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers bounce through the trees. Warblers include Prothonotary, Kentucky, Common Yellowthroat, and Northern Parula. Summer Tanagers seem to really like the area. Indigo Buntings are abundant. Orchard and Baltimore Orioles nest.

Directions: from MO 32 in Stockton, go a total of 8.1 miles south on MO 39 and east on MO 215.

Stockton Lake (a COE impoundment) is a deepwater lake, dammed north of the confluence of the Big and Little Sac rivers. The arms form a vee, running due south and southeast of the dam. Because of the depth, open terrain (Springfield plateau), and the basically north/south orientation, this is a favored site for migrating and wintering waterfowl.

The park is on a peninsula jutting northward at the junction of the Big and Little Sac rivers (these form the two arms of the lake). Features of the Springfield plateau, Ozark hills and even some remnant tallgrass prairie aspects can be found within the park. Most of the undeveloped parts are oak-hickory forest with typical Ozark understory. There are no trails through rough, brushy terrain. Unfortunately, much of the fairly open areas (other than the mown lawn-type grass) are dominated by the invasive sericea lespedeza. Autumn olive has encroached into the brushy portions.

A good paved road system provides access to wooded and open areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat launches and beach, and affords several viewpoints of both arms of the lake.