About the Area
Henry Sever Lake is surrounded by woodland, grassland, old fields, and cropland. The grassland areas have been planted with native grasses. There is a multi-use trail that meanders around the lake, through the woodland and grassland. Check the map and decide upon a particular section of the trail you’d like to explore. The birding is good year-round. In winter, look for waterfowl at the lake, and for sparrows in the grassland. In spring and summer, look for tanagers, orioles, flycatchers, vireos, and a few species of wood warbler. Not many eBird checklists have been made for Henry Sever, so please add your own. There are latrines on the area, but no drinking fountains, so plan accordingly.
From Kirksville, follow US-63 S and MO-156 E to State Hwy KK/Main St in Newark. Turn left onto State Hwy KK/Main St.
Henry Sever is rather isolated from any nearby urban areas, so be sure to fuel up before you make your visit. The area is an equal distance from Kirksville, Macon, and Hannibal. While the area might be isolated from urban areas, it is nearby many great birding hotspots. To the north, you’ll find Deer Ridge Conservation Area. This area is mostly forest with old fields, cropland, and wetlands, including a boat ramp, picnic areas, pavilions, the James B. Jenkins Shooting range, Deer Ridge Community Lake, and two permanent streams: North Fabius River and Middle Fabius River. Farther east is Wakonda State Park, and due south is the Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area. Hunnewell Lake and Wakonda are both great places to set up a spotting scope to look for shorebirds and waterfowl. Look above you as well, for Hawks, Kites, and other raptors.