Burroughs Audubon Society

Field Trip: Lyon, Coffey, and Osage Counties
2025-12-06 07:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MO
This trip consists of birding by car with stops around Melvern Reservoir, a short bit of walking around Lyon County State Fishing Lake, and stops around John Redmond Reservoir in search of winter species such as Smith’s Longspurs, grebes, loons, scoters, gulls, shrikes, sparrows, Long-eared Owl and Short-eared Owls. Bring food, beverages, and FRS radios for this all-day trip. If interested, some participants traditionally stop at Guy and Mae’s Tavern in Williamsburg afterwards for BBQ ribs and to compile a trip total. Individuals of all skill levels are welcome to attend.
Meet at 7 am in the PetSmart Parking lot off I-35 and 119th in Olathe to carpool and caravan for this all-day trip. The leader for this trip is Matt Gearheart. For more information, contact Matt at gearheart.matt@gmail.com or 913-568-4678.
Featured Photo: Smith’s Longspur by Mike Charest

Field Trip: Forest Hill Cemetery
2025-12-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Forest Hill Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64131, United States
Join us for a winter birding walk through the historic Forest Hill Cemetery in the heart of Kansas City. This inner-city green space provides excellent habitat for overwintering species and year-round residents alike. We’ll be on the lookout for woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, raptors, and possibly wintering owls.
Participants can choose to walk through grassy areas, stay on the paved roads winding through the cemetery, or drive between stops.
Expect about three hours of birding, though you’re welcome to leave anytime. Both novice and experienced birders are encouraged to join—please bring your own binoculars if possible (a few extras will be available).
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Photo: White-throated Sparrow by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

Field Trip: Antioch Marsh * Rescheduled to Dec 20th *
2025-12-20 09:00 - 16:00 | Antioch Marsh
Join us for a full day of birding at Antioch Marsh in Spring Hill, KS, part of the Hillsdale Reservoir Wildlife Area. Click here to view the Birding Hot Spots page for more details about the location.
We’ll begin at the South Marsh parking lot, accessible via a gravel road off 231st Street. After exploring the South Marsh, we’ll cross the road to the North Marsh—be prepared for some levee walking to reach the area. Next, we’ll travel to Browns Wetland, where a trail loops around the pond, and then drive to the Rock Creek Access Area, just around the corner. If time and energy allow, we’ll finish at the marina or park headquarters for additional birding opportunities.
Anticipated species include shorebirds, waterfowl, fall migrants, Ospreys, and other birds of prey. Expect to walk on dirt trails with mild rocks and roots, as well as some paved roads.
Please pack a lunch, as this will be an extended outing of 5+ hours. All experience levels are welcome—bring your own binoculars if possible; a few loaner pairs will be available.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Photo: Green-winged Teal by Josh Pearson

Field Trip: Wyandotte County Lake
2026-01-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Wyandotte County Lake – Schlagle Library, 4051 West Dr, Kansas City, KS, 66109, United States
We’ll meet at 8am at the parking lot between the beach shelter and Schlagle Library to carpool around the lake, stopping at a couple of locations for short walks along the trails and roads and scoping the lake. This trip will be done by noon and the start of 24th annual Eagle Days at the lake, which has educational birds and programming present at both the Library as well as Davis Hall. While the forecast is for nice warm weather, it is often colder near the water and dressing in layers is recommended.

Malcolm Gold is the trip leader and questions can be directed to him at malcolmgold@gmail.com. Individuals of all experience and skill levels are welcome to attend. Malcolm will have a couple of extra binoculars with if you are brand new to birding and would like to borrow them for a couple of hours.

Field Trip: Jerry Smith Park
2026-01-21 08:15 - 10:30 | Jerry Smith Park Trailhead Parking Lot, 13493 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64146
The annual winter bird census at Jerry Smith Park, largest remnant prairie in Jackson County, is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st, at 8:15. We’ll walk the trails looking for year-round residents like Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch and 6 species of woodpeckers as well as winter residents like Purple Finch, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and 7 species of sparrows.

Dress warmly for the weather. Any questions contact trip leader, Sherry Leonardo, at home172@aol.com or phone 816-718-5888.
Please note: start time my be delayed or census itself is subject to change based on weather conditions. Please check website calendar close to scheduled date.

Field Trip: Blue River Parkway *** Rescheduled to 2/6 due to cold weather ***
2026-02-06 08:00 - 11:00 | Blue River Parkway, 11420 Blue River Road, Kansas City, MO, 64131
*** Rescheduled to 2/6 due to extreme cold temperatures ***

Join us as we conduct a winter bird census along the Blue River. We’ll search for winter and year-round residents that use this riparian habitat. This census assists KC WildLands and their mission of preserving the natural communities around Kansas City. This census counts toward volunteer hours for Master Naturalists.

Your leader for this trip is Don Arney. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Minor Park tennis courts parking lot. We’ll walk the hiking/biking trails along the Blue River, approx. 2 miles. Trail conditions can be very muddy, depending on precipitation and temperature. Watch this page for weather/cancellation updates, and feel welcome to contact Don at 22sora@gmail.com with any questions.

Featured Image: Golden-crowned Kinglet by Nick Saunders

Field Trip: Hillsdale Lake
2026-02-07 07:00 - 12:00 | Hillsdale State Park, 26001 W. 255th St, Paola, KS, 66071, United States
We’ll meet at 7am at the PetSmart parking lot near the corner of 119th and I-35 in Olathe to carpool south to the lake. We will start the trip around 7:45 at the State Park and Shelter 1 near the small watercraft ramp for anyone that wishes to meet us there. Please be aware there is a $5 park entrance fee if you do not have an annual pass. We plan to scope the lake from the shelter to start and will likely walk along the road from the road closed signage at Russell Crites boat ramp to the Quail Run campground to scan the center part of the lake. From there as time allows, we may stop at Antioch Marsh to scope more or at the west 22rd St access to walk down along Bull Creek. This trip is expected to be done around noon. It is often colder near the water and dressing in layers is recommended.

Malcolm Gold is the trip leader and questions can be directed to him at malcolmgold@gmail.com. Individuals of all experience and skill levels are welcome to attend. Malcolm will have a couple of extra binoculars with if you are brand new to birding and would like to borrow them for a couple of hours.

Field Trip: Great Backyard Bird Count birding at Forest Hill Cemetery
2026-02-13 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-14 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-15 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-16 08:30 - 10:30 | Forest Hill Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64131, United States
Join us for a few days of Great Backyard Bird Count birding at Forest Hill Cemetery – Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 16. 8:30-10:30 a.m. each day. This cemetery is a historic and scenic site nestled in the heart of Kansas City.
We’ll be watching for resident Red-headed Woodpeckers, Great Horned Owls, and other birds of prey and songbirds. Participants can choose to walk through grassy areas, stay on the paved roads winding through the cemetery, or drive between stops.
Expect about two hours of birding, though you’re welcome to leave anytime. Both novice and experienced birders are encouraged to join—please bring your own binoculars if possible (a few extras will be available).
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839

*** CANCELLED ***American Woodcocks at Jerry Smith Park
2026-03-03 17:45 - 19:00 | Jerry Smith Park Trailhead Parking Lot, 13493 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64146
*** Cancelled due to trail and weather conditions ***
Join us as we meet just before sunset in search of American Woodcocks! These birds generally display near the parking lot and along the trails of the prairie near the parking lot. The temperature tends to fall rapidly at dark; please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight as a short walk along the trail is possible. Meet at the Jerry Smith Trailhead Parking lot at the top of the ridge for a short 15-minute presentation about the aerial displays and courtship behavior of these birds. Feel free to arrive at 6:00 PM if you have already heard the presentation. Master naturalists who attend for the first time get 1 hour of advanced training for the talk and viewing.
Directions: From Holmes Rd, turn EAST at 139th St and travel approximately a mile to the 2nd drive on the LEFT; the first drive goes to a private residence. The park sign can’t be seen coming from this direction. From I-49, take the Main St. exit and turn WEST. Drive through downtown Grandview and across the railroad tracks to the first street on your LEFT. This is 2nd St. Turn LEFT and travel approximately 2 miles to the park entrance; the sign can be seen coming from this direction. The road does wind around and change names until it becomes 139th St.
Your leader for this trip is Sherry Leonardo (816/718-5888 or home172@aol.com). There are NO make-up dates. These programs are very weather-dependent. Any cancellation will be posted on Burroughs website by 3 pm day of the program. Please be sure to dress appropriately-it tends to be colder than people expect.
Featured Image: American Woodcock by Robert Hamilton

American Woodcocks at Jerry Smith Park
2026-03-05 17:45 - 19:00 | Jerry Smith Park Trailhead Parking Lot, 13493 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64146
Join us as we meet just before sunset in search of American Woodcocks! These birds generally display near the parking lot and along the trails of the prairie near the parking lot. The temperature tends to fall rapidly at dark; please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight as a short walk along the trail is possible. Meet at the Jerry Smith Trailhead Parking lot at the top of the ridge for a short 15-minute presentation about the aerial displays and courtship behavior of these birds. Feel free to arrive at 6:00 PM if you have already heard the presentation. Master naturalists who attend for the first time get 1 hour of advanced training for the talk and viewing.
Directions: From Holmes Rd, turn EAST at 139th St and travel approximately a mile to the 2nd drive on the LEFT; the first drive goes to a private residence. The park sign can’t be seen coming from this direction. From I-49, take the Main St. exit and turn WEST. Drive through downtown Grandview and across the railroad tracks to the first street on your LEFT. This is 2nd St. Turn LEFT and travel approximately 2 miles to the park entrance; the sign can be seen coming from this direction. The road does wind around and change names until it becomes 139th St.
Your leader for this trip is Sherry Leonardo (816/718-5888 or home172@aol.com). There are NO make-up dates. These programs are very weather-dependent. Any cancellation will be posted on Burroughs website by 3 pm day of the program. Please be sure to dress appropriately-it tends to be colder than people expect.
Featured Image: American Woodcock by Robert Hamilton

Field Trip: Hillsdale Lake
2026-03-07 08:00 - 16:00 | Hillsdale State Park, 26001 W. 255th St, Paola, KS, 66071, United States
To carpool meet at the Pet Smart parking lot at 7:30AM in Olathe (15255 W 119th St). We will start in the state park (permit required) searching through the gulls. If you would like to meet us there we will be in the marina parking lot around 8:00am.
There will be some walking to reach viewing areas in different spots around the lake. Bring all the usual items, binoculars, scopes if you have them, snacks, water, etc. We may stay until mid afternoon so possibly bring a lunch. The forecast is for the low 40’s to 50’s with strong northwest winds so please dress appropriately.

Your leader for this trip is Mark Land. Leave a text at 816-590-9814 or contact at kestrelland@gmail.com.

American Woodcocks at Jerry Smith Park
2026-03-09 18:45 - 20:00, 2026-03-11 18:45 - 20:00 | Jerry Smith Park Trailhead Parking Lot, 13493 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64146
Join us as we meet just before sunset in search of American Woodcocks! These birds generally display near the parking lot and along the trails of the prairie near the parking lot. The temperature tends to fall rapidly at dark; please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight as a short walk along the trail is possible. Meet at the Jerry Smith Trailhead Parking lot at the top of the ridge for a short 15-minute presentation about the aerial displays and courtship behavior of these birds. Feel free to arrive at 7:00 PM if you have already heard the presentation. Master naturalists who attend for the first time get 1 hour of advanced training for the talk and viewing.
Directions: From Holmes Rd, turn EAST at 139th St and travel approximately a mile to the 2nd drive on the LEFT; the first drive goes to a private residence. The park sign can’t be seen coming from this direction. From I-49, take the Main St. exit and turn WEST. Drive through downtown Grandview and across the railroad tracks to the first street on your LEFT. This is 2nd St. Turn LEFT and travel approximately 2 miles to the park entrance; the sign can be seen coming from this direction. The road does wind around and change names until it becomes 139th St.
Your leader for this trip is Sherry Leonardo (816/718-5888 or home172@aol.com). There are NO make-up dates. These programs are very weather-dependent. Any cancellation will be posted on Burroughs website by 3 pm day of the program. Please be sure to dress appropriately-it tends to be colder than people expect.
Featured Image: American Woodcock by Robert Hamilton

Field Trip: Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
2026-03-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, 407 N La Frenz Rd, Liberty, MO, 64068
Join us for a walk around the nature sanctuary as we look for early spring migrants and year-round residents. The last time our group visited this property we saw a mating pair of Coopers Hawks building a nest. We’re hopeful that we’ll find them again. Meet at the parking lot outside of the visitor center at 9 AM. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as this hike is on dirt trails. Please bring binoculars – there will be a few extra to share.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk by Jason Kandume

Field Trip: Blue Springs Wetlands
2026-03-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Blue Springs Lake & Wetlands, 2M88+W5 Lee's Summit, Missouri, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64064, United States
Join us at the Blue Springs wetlands as we look for early Spring migrants, year-round residents, waterfowl and shorebirds. Anticipate walking in grass and on gravel paths. Meet at the parking lot just east of the dam to do a quick scan of the lake from a viewing platform, then we will drive down to the wetlands parking lot together. Please bring binoculars – there will be a few extra to share.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: Wood Duck by Harry Collins

Field Trip: Tomahawk Park
2026-03-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Tomahawk Park, 3951 W 119th St, Leawood, KS, 66209, United States
We’ll meet at 8 am at the parking lot south of 119th between Roe and Mission in Leawood for a leisurely walk along the multi-use paved trails. We will be looking for winter visitors like Kinglets, Creepers, and Sparrows and year round residents. We may find some early spring migrants returning as well. We plan to walk a couple of miles out and back from the parking lot heading south towards I-Lan park. This trip is expected to last a couple hours and be done by 11am.

Malcolm Gold is the trip leader and questions can be directed to him at malcolmgold@gmail.com. Individuals of all experience and skill levels are welcome to attend. Malcolm will have a couple of extra binoculars with if you are brand new to birding and would like to borrow them for a couple of hours.

Field Trip: Weston Bend State Park
2026-03-28 07:30 - 12:00 | Weston Bend State Park, 16600 MO-45, Weston, MO, 64098, United States
Join us at Weston Bend State Park for this half-day of birding at an official Great Missouri Birding Trail. We will look for early Spring migrants and year-round residents. Meet at the entrance to the park and drive to our first destination together. We’ll walk both paved and dirt paths. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring your binoculars-there will be a few extra to share.

Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: Cedar Waxwing by Jesse Gordon

**Cancelled** Field Trip: Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area
2026-04-11 07:00 - 15:00 | La Cygne Reservoir and Wildlife Area
**This trip has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.**

We’ll meet at 7am at the parking lot in front of Price Shopper near 119th and Metcalf in Overland Park to carpool south along 69 to Linn County. This trip will likely last until the afternoon and it is recommended that you bring snacks, lunch, and/or water along in the car. We’ll plan to drive south and stop at Unit F and walk approximately a mile along the trail to the south end of West unit to look at shorebirds. The trail is grass covered and can be muddy. Boots and appropriate footwear is highly recommended as is spring them and pants with permethrin ahead of time to help mitigate ticks and chiggers. From Unit F we will likely visit Unit C, Unit E, or Unit G for additional scoping of shorebirds. Where we go will depend on water levels and conditions. If the water levels are not conducive for shorebirds in Linn County but are elsewhere (Perry, Clinton, or Hillsdale) the destination may be changed near the trip and could include a $5 Kansas State park entrance fee if you do not have an annual pass.

Malcolm Gold is the trip leader and questions can be directed to him at malcolmgold@gmail.com. Individuals of all experience and skill levels are welcome to attend. Malcolm will have a couple of extra binoculars with if you are brand new to birding and would like to borrow them for a couple of hours.

Field Trip: Forest Hill Cemetery
2026-04-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-31 09:00 - 12:00 | Forest Hill Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64131, United States
Join us at this 160-acre property in the middle of urban KC. We will walk the roads that weave through the cemetery, visiting graves of famous Kansas Citians while we bird. We will look for Spring migrants, resident Red-Headed Woodpeckers and Great Horned Owls, as well as Warblers and other songbirds. Meet at the cemetery office. Wear good walking shoes and bring your binoculars-there will be a few extra to share.

Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Photo: Great Horned Owl by Brian Kushner

Field Trip: Charlotte Sawyer Nature Area
2026-04-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Charlotte Sawyer Nature Area, 6075 NW Union Chapel Road, Parkville, MO, 64152, United States
Join us at CSNA, a property managed and maintained by the Platte Land Trust. We will look for Vireos, Warblers, Summer Tanagers, Indigo Buntings and other Spring migrants. Meet at the parking lot as you enter the property. Wear sturdy shoes-all walking is done on dirt paths and uneven ground. Wear good hiking shoes and bring your binoculars-there will be a few extra to share.
Also, we’ve added a music component that we’re excited to share! After our hike concludes at 11:00 AM, we invite you to stay for a special live music experience featuring violist Christina Silvius.
Christina is a Kansas City-based improvisor and multidisciplinary artist who creates immersive, layered soundscapes using viola, vocals, live electronics, and looping. Christina has performed at venues including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the Charlotte Street Foundation, where she is currently a studio resident. She will perform for approximately 30 minutes following the hike.
Please bring a chair so you can relax and enjoy the music!
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: Summer Tanager by Doug Greenberg

Field Trip: Wyandotte County Lake
2026-04-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Wyandotte County Lake – Schlagle Library, 4051 West Dr, Kansas City, KS, 66109, United States
Partnering with Leawood Wild Birds Unlimited, we’ll be searching for spring migrants — especially keeping an eye out for Prothonotary Warblers! Burroughs board member Sara Blunk will also showcase her nest boxes and discuss the Burroughs Audubon Prothonotary Warbler Project.
Meet at: Schlagle Library parking lot at 9:00 AMContact for more information: Sara Blunk – saracatblunk@gmail.com

Field Trip: Blue River Parkway
2026-05-01 07:30 - 11:00 | Blue River Parkway, 11420 Blue River Road, Kansas City, MO, 64131
Join us as we conduct a spring bird census along the Blue River. We’ll search for migrant and year-round residents that use this riparian habitat. This census assists KC WildLands and their mission of preserving the natural communities around Kansas City. This census counts toward volunteer hours for Master Naturalists.

Your leader for this trip is Don Arney. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Minor Park tennis courts parking lot. We’ll walk the hiking/biking trails along the Blue River, approx. 2 miles. Trail conditions can be very muddy, depending on precipitation and temperature. Watch this page for weather/cancellation updates, and feel welcome to contact Don at 22sora@gmail.com with any questions.

Featured Image: Black-throated Green Warbler by Tim Lenz

Field Trip: Longview Lake
2026-05-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Longview Lake Shelter 11
Join us as we venture around the lake both by car and by foot. We will look for Flycatchers, Vireos and other Spring migrants, as well as waterfowl. Meet at Shelter #11 and walk the Longview Lake Greenway as well as down to the lake. We’ll get back in our cars to travel to other shelters as well as the Marina. Wear walking shoes-we’ll be walking paved and dirt paths. Bring your binoculars-there will be a few extra to share.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: White-eyed Vireo by Jukka Jantunen

Field Trip: Jerry Smith Park
2026-05-06 07:30 - 10:00 | Jerry Smith Park Trailhead Parking Lot, 13493 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64146
****Weather Update****
From field trip leader Sherry:
“Jerry Smith Park is muddy and very wet. Neither the trail or grassy service road that we walk have been mowed, so vegetation comes up to lower shin. Temps are forecasted to be in the 40’s. So, please dress appropriately. The trail on the west side of the park is too dangerous to walk, so I’m abbreviating where we’ll walk. We’ll walk the service road out to its end and then come back the walking trail, including the side trail to the overlook. We’ll also walk some on the road.
Am hoping we can start the census on time, but may have to delay it some.
If you have any concerns about start time, you can contact me after 6:15 tomorrow morning. I’ll be checking radar.”

The 15th Annual Spring Migration Bird Census at Jerry Smith Park will take place on Wednesday, May 6, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
We’ll walk the park during peak migration, searching for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, sparrows, orioles, and tanagers. Indigo Buntings are likely, and with a bit of luck, a Blue Grosbeak or two may make an appearance.
Please bring water, a snack, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Birders of all skill and experience levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. This census supports KC Wildlands and their ongoing land stewardship efforts throughout the Kansas City metro area. Participation also counts toward Master Naturalist volunteer hours.
The census will be led by Sherry Leonardo. For questions, she can be reached at home172@aol.com.

Field Trip: Heartland Overlook Preserve & Lake Alex George
2026-05-23 08:00 - 11:00 | MO
Join us at the Heartland Overlook Preserve (HOP) along the Blue River Corridor in Kansas City. This nature preserve is 40 acres, and is a high-point in the area. We will look for Spring migrants, like Flycatchers, Vireos and Warblers. Anticipate walking on off-camber trails. We’ll meet at the parking area at the top of the property. We will travel to Lake Alex George at 10am, looking for waterfowl and kingfishers. Wear good hiking shoes and bring your binoculars–there will be a few extra to share.
Note: The Heartland Conservation Alliance asks for anyone wanting to attend this event to register. You can register here for free.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: Yellow Warbler by Jesse Gordon

Field Trip: Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center
2026-06-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64110, United States
June is prolific with blooms and bird song! Enjoy a guided naturalist walk around the Discovery Center with Deep Roots and Burroughs Audubon to learn about native plants and birds that depend on them. Grab your binoculars and get ready! This leisurely walk is for all experience levels and a great opportunity to ask your gardening questions. We’ll discuss native plants for gardens to support birds and seasonal maintenance strategies. This walk is in conjunction with the Deep Roots’ three-day native plant sale! Get inspired by the walk and take some native plants home.
Please register using this link
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
