Burroughs Audubon Society

General Meetings & Programs: Hummingbirds - Jewels in your Garden
2026-05-19 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Bonnie The Biologist: Spring Beneficial Insect & Bird/Wildlife Essentials
2026-05-06 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.

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
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: 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: 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: 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: 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

General Meetings & Programs: Four Seasons In the Sax-Zim Bog
2026-04-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS, 66207, United States
In-person event presented by Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus, Head Naturalist with Friends of Sax-Zim Bog. This northern Minnesota destination is perhaps best known for winter bird watching opportunities, especially for those interested in northern owls, finches, and boreal forest specialists. What visitors don’t realize is that many animals which survive ice, snow, and temperatures well below zero are resident and can be seen year round! The greater Sax-Zim Bog ecosystem has a lot to offer in every season, playing host to diverse ecology and biology. This presentation will include background on the region, a little about the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, and highlight the seasons that makes this area so unique!

Field Trip: Forest Hill Cemetery
2026-04-12 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

**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.

Partnership Program: Woodpeckers of the KC Region
2026-04-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS, 66207, United States
In-person event presented by Jack Corrigan, Osage Trails Missouri Master Naturalist and BAS Board Member. The Kansas City Region has seven species of woodpeckers! Some are year-round residents, and others are migrants. Learn about their special adaptations, natural history, identification and what you can do to attract and help these birds. As this is a Johnson County Parks & Rec sponsored event, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 12
2026-04-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Count birds for science! Project FeederWatch is a snapshot of where our familiar bird species spend the winter. Join us throughout the count season on our Sunday-Monday count days. Subject to change if weather is inclement. LAST FEEDERWATCH OF THE SEASON!

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 11
2026-03-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Count birds for science! Project FeederWatch is a snapshot of where our familiar bird species spend the winter. Join us throughout the count season on our Sunday-Monday count days. Subject to change if weather is inclement.

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

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.

General Meetings & Programs: All About Birdhouses (Nest Boxes)
2026-03-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64110, United States
In-person event presented by Jack Corrigan, Osage Trails Missouri Master Naturalist and BAS Board Member. Spring is coming, and our native cavity-nesting birds (bluebirds, chickadees, and more) begin searching for secure sites to raise families. Would you like to help? Birdhouses (or nest boxes) supplement natural cavities, help increase bird populations, and allow close observation. Referencing material from the “All About Birdhouses” section of Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology website, and adding his own expertise, Jack will explore topics such as: features of a good birdhouse, using the “Right Bird, Right House” interactive tool, and installing nest box cameras. This program will prepare you to purchase or build the best houses for each species. Jack has years of experience building, maintaining, and monitoring boxes for a variety of birds, including Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, and Prothonotary Warblers (currently, he has 50 boxes under his care!). Bring your questions and don’t miss this chance to learn from an expert!

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 10
2026-03-23 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States

Partnership Program: Stopping The "Splats" - Bird Safe Window Workshop
2026-03-21 12:00 - 14:30 | Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64110, United States
Free workshop! Learn about bird-window collisions and how to build DYI window treatments for your home that help save birds. Create “wind curtains” from paracord with presentations and hands-on demonstrations from volunteers. All materials provided.
To register, please send an email to: mail@burroughs.org by March 14. Include names of all attendees and a good telephone number, in case of any changes. Ages 17+ / Limited to 30 participants.
Sponsored by Burroughs Audubon Society, Osage Trails Master Naturalists, and Bird Safe KC.

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: 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

American Woodcocks at Jerry Smith Park
2026-03-11 18:45 - 20:00, 2026-03-09 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

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 9
2026-03-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States

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
2026-03-05 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

*** 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
