Burroughs Audubon Society

Field Trip: Jerry Smith Park
2026-05-06 07:30 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Bonnie The Biologist: Spring Beneficial Insect & Bird/Wildlife Essentials
2026-05-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Providing for wildlife from spring through summer is educational and rewarding! Learn how to provide habitat in a variety of spaces from decks/porches to backyards and acreages. Also, tips for sustaining longevity and diversity.

General Meetings & Programs: Hummingbirds - Jewels in your Garden
2026-05-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Virtual event (Zoom) presented by Ann Tanner, BAS President and Kansas State Extension Master Naturalist (Johnson County). Hummingbirds are fascinating and a favorite among those who enjoy birds. Come enjoy beautiful photographs and anecdotes about these tiny birds! This program includes an overview of the ecology, types, and characteristics of hummingbirds. Learn how you can support them as Ann describes their favorite native flowers and plants and provides a “How To” discussion about hummingbird feeders. Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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: Forest Hill Cemetery
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

Bonnie The Biologist: Conifers
2026-06-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
The story of conifers is an ancient, diverse and wondrous tale! Their conservation, economic, and ecological importance is a very real part of Missouri’s and Earth’s history.

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

Field Trip: Blue River Parkway
2026-06-06 07:30 - 11:00 | Blue River Parkway, 11420 Blue River Road, Kansas City, MO, 64131
Join us as we conduct a summer breeding bird census along the Blue River. We’ll search for late 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: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher by Jesse Gordon

Field Trip: Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge
2026-06-13 08:00 - 16:00 | MO
Join us for this all-day field trip South of the city to this NWR, full of bottomland hardwood forests. We will be on the lookout for Orioles, Meadowlarks, Vireos, Bobwhite and birds of prey. Meet at the visitor center. We will also travel to York road and other accessible points within the refuge. Once we complete our birding on the refuge, we’ll travel West across the highway to Marais Des Cygnes Waterfowl Area (state property) and visit a few moist soil units on the property. Bring a sack lunch. Be prepared to be walking on uneven ground throughout our trip. We’ll travel to each area by car but otherwise be on foot. Bring binoculars-there will be a few extra to share.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: Northern Bobwhite by Stephen Pollard

Field Trip: Jerry Smith Park
2026-06-17 07:30 - 10:00 | Jerry Smith Park Trailhead Parking Lot, 13493 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64146
The breeding bird census for KC Wildlands is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th. Please meet at 7:30 am in the parking lot. Be sure to bring water, snack, insect repellent and sunscreen. We’ll be looking for nesting species such as Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissel, Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat and Field Sparrows.
Leader: Sherry Leonardo | home172@aol.com
Featured Image: Indigo Bunting by Megumi Aita

Field Trip: Baker Wetlands
2026-06-19 08:30 - 12:00 | Baker Wetlands, 1365 N 1250 Rd, Lawrence, KS, 66046, United States
Join us for this field trip to the beautiful wetlands outside of Lawrence, KS. We’re on the lookout for shorebirds, songbirds, waterfowl and other interesting species, like Grosbeaks and Bitterns. Meet at the Discovery Center (closed on Saturdays). Paths are made of peat gravel and there are wooden bridges to cross. Expect lots of walking. Bring binoculars-there will be a few extra to share.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: Blue Grosbeak by James Diehl

Field Trip: Loess Bluffs NWR -- CANCELED
2026-06-20 09:00 - 15:00 | loess bluffs wildlife refuge, 159 State Hwy E, Mound City, MO, 64470
Canceled — Join us for this all-day field trip North of the city to this iconic National Wildlife Refuge, full of moist soil units (wetlands) with an auto-tour route around the property. We’ll be looking for Egret, Bobwhite, blackbirds, Pelicans and more. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours from KC, so plan accordingly. Meet at the visitor center. Bring a sack lunch-we’ll eat at noon. After lunch we’ll hike the dirt trail behind the visitor center, looking for species like Wood Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Cuckoo and Vireo. The hike portion of this trip is moderately difficult with rigorous ascents. Wear hiking shoes and prepare for hot weather. Bring binoculars-there will be a few extra to share.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
Featured Image: Great Egret by Jerry Amende

Bonnie The Biologist: Lagomorphs
2026-07-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
From the familiar Eastern Cottontail to localized Swamp Rabbits and the now rare Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Missouri’s diverse natural communities provide homes for mammals in the order Lagomorpha.
