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Places to Bird
© James Charles Smith Photography
Located within the Central Flyway, central and western Kansas is home to over 400 species of birds. This provides birders in the region with the chance to see a wide variety of species. Hays, KS, offers several excellent public birding spots. Below, you'll find local spots and parking information. Additionally, Hays is a central hub for exploring nearby wetlands and state parks. See our Events Calendar for information about local bird walks and field trips!
Places to Bird in Ellis Co.
Fort Hays State University Campus
Parking is by permit only on most areas of campus. For more information about parking here.
Places to Bird in Kansas and Beyond
Cheyenne Bottoms in Barton County is a large marsh that is a stopping point for many birds during spring and fall migration including waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds.
Found in Russell County, Wilson Lake includes several areas on the shoreline for watching waterfowl. Additionally, the state park includes several hiking trails and a wildlife area where many songbirds can be found.
Found in Stafford County, Quivera NWR was established to provide a habitat for migratory waterfowl using the central flyway. Shorebirds also migrate through this area many stay for breeding season. Interior least terns will also nest here.
Kirwin NWR in Phillips County joins the tall-grass prairies of the east with the short-grass plains of the west, creating a diverse ecosystem for many bird species. Both fall and spring migrations are busy with waterfowl and shorebirds especially passing through. Summer time is also a good time to visit when grassland birds like the greater-prairie chicken are nesting.
Found in Trego County, Cedar Bluff is home to many waterfowl during the winter and migratory seasons. Bald Eagles are also common during this time. Cedar Bluff State Park has areas on two shorelines, allowing for trails to bird on as well.
While not in Kansas, the Platte River in southern Nebraska is the gathering place for around 80% of the sandhill crane population and endangered whooping cranes during migration. The best time to visit is late February to early April.
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