Burroughs Audubon Society

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 6
2026-02-01 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 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: 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: 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.

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 5
2026-01-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 4
2025-12-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States

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: 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

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 3
2025-12-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States

Field Trip: Lyon, Coffey, and Osage Counties
2025-12-06 07:00 - 17:00
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

CANCELED *** Field Trip: Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
2025-11-29 08:45 - 17:00 | loess bluffs wildlife refuge, 159 State Hwy E, Mound City, MO, 64470
***CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST***
Join us for one of our most popular annual field trips to Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge! Each year, we’re treated to an incredible display of thousands of Snow Geese, swans, and dozens—sometimes hundreds—of Bald Eagles throughout the refuge.
If you’d like to carpool from Kansas City, we’ll meet at the MHTD commuter lot (2575 Platte Falls Rd, Platte City, Missouri) at 7:30 a.m. We’ll then gather at the Loess Bluffs Visitor Center parking lot around 8:45 a.m., beginning our first loop of the 10-mile auto tour at 9:00 a.m.
We’ll return to the visitor center parking lot around 12:30 p.m. for lunch and a restroom break before making a second pass around the loop in the afternoon.
Please bring a sack lunch, snacks, binoculars or scope, field guides, and FRS radios if you have them. Dress in layers—conditions are often cold and windy this time of year.
This trip is open to all, and you’re welcome to come and go as your schedule allows. We hope you can stay through dusk to witness a breathtaking sunset and the spectacle of thousands of blackbirds descending on the refuge.
***Be aware: this trip is very weather related. If for any reason we decide to cancel this trip it will be posted Friday by 10:00pm***
Trip Leader: Mark Land | kestrelland@gmail.com | 816-590-9814
Featured Photo: Bald Eagles by Aaron Baggenstos

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 2
2025-11-24 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States

Birding at Perry Lake: A Joint Field Trip with the Topeka Audubon Society
2025-11-22 08:00 - 10:30 | Perry Lake – Army Corps of Engineers, 10419 Perry Park Dr, Perry, KS, 66073, United States
Join us for a joint field trip at Perry Lake with the Topeka Audubon Society!
Burroughs Audubon Society is excited to partner with the Topeka Audubon Society for a nature-filled adventure at Perry Lake in Kansas! Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply love spending time in nature, this field trip is for you. We’ll be meeting at 8:00 AM at the Army Corps of Engineers parking lot to begin our exploration of the lake’s rich bird life and beautiful landscapes.
This event is open to all ages and experience levels, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a morning in the great outdoors with fellow nature enthusiasts.
For more information, please email Topeka Audubon Society coordinator Logan Smith at logmelsmith@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
Featured Photo: Redheads by Bill Dix

Field Trip: Stamm Field
2025-11-18 08:00 - 10:30 | Stamm Field, 2346 SW Sampson Rd, Lee's Summit, MO, 64082, United States
Stamm Field is an under-birded hotspot in Jackson County that features several acres of shrubby habitat ideal for overwintering sparrows and other winter residents, including Red-headed Woodpeckers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. We’ll meet in the parking lot at 8 AM and walk approximately two miles of mowed paths winding through the fields in search of various sparrow species and other winter birds. Boots are recommended, as the terrain can be uneven in places.
Leader: Steve Johnson — stevenrjohnson89@gmail.com | 816-377-6209
Featured Photo: Fox Sparrow by Brian Kushner

Meeting: November General Meeting in Person
2025-11-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS, 66207, United States
“A Changing World for Kansas Birds” by Bob Gress on Monday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for this special in-person meeting at Johnson County Park & Recreation District’s Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse! Bob will have copies of his and Pete Janzen’s The Guide to Kansas Birds and Birding Hot Spots – Second Edition to sell and personally sign.

Nature Center Program: Project FeederWatch 1
2025-11-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States

Field Trip: Lake Alex George Wetlands & Swope Park
2025-11-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Alex George Wetlands, 10831 Blue River Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64131, United States
Join us for a morning of urban birding as we explore two inner-city hotspots: Lake Alex George Wetlands (near Blue River) and Swope Park. We’ll begin at Lake Alex George, where there’s ample parking in front of the wetland. Be prepared to walk through grass and dirt trails as we look for waterfowl and fall migrants that frequent this small but productive area.
Next, we’ll head to Swope Park (Go Ape parking lot) to search for additional migrants, Pileated Woodpeckers, and birds of prey. Expect a mix of dirt trails with mild rocks and roots, as well as paved roads.
Plan for about 3+ hours of birding, but feel free to leave at any time. All experience levels are welcome—please 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: Pileated Woodpecker by Megumi Aita

Nature Center Program: Let's Go Batty!
2025-11-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Bats aren’t only great Halloween decorations, they’re ecosystem heroes! Drop by BAS Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary to learn all about Missouri’s fascinating bats with Missouri Master Naturalist Meredith Donaldson. Fun for all ages! (Too bad you won’t find the bat pictured in Missouri, but the species does have a connection with a Missouri resident!)

Field Trip: Forest Hill Cemetery
2025-11-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Forest Hill Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64131, United States
Join us for a birding trip to Forest Hill Cemetery, a historic and scenic site nestled in the heart of Kansas City. This inner-city location is a major byway for migrating species, and we’ve been recording impressive numbers during migration periods.
We’ll be watching for typical migrants along with Red-headed Woodpeckers, Great Horned Owls, Common Nighthawks, and other birds of prey. 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: Great Horned Owl by Shannon Quinn

Field Trip: Scoping Miami & Linn Counties
2025-11-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Hillsdale State Park, 26001 W. 255th St, Paola, KS, 66071, United States
Join us for a full-day birding adventure! Participants are welcome to come and go as schedules allow.
We’ll begin the morning scoping Hillsdale Reservoir before heading to the Paola Water Treatment Ponds in Miami County. From there, we’ll continue south to La Cygnes Lake in Linn County to search for waterfowl, gulls, grebes, and loons.
This is primarily a driving trip, though we expect to walk about one mile along paved and gravel roads near the Quail Run Campground at Hillsdale State Park. We’ll pause for lunch at the Casey’s Convenience Store in La Cygne, but you may also choose to grab food in Paola and meet us at Linn County Park in the afternoon. Bringing a sack lunch or snacks is also an option.
Be sure to bring optics, field guides, and dress for the weather—conditions by the water can often be cold and windy this time of year. Birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Meeting Location & Time:Meet at Hillsdale State Park Shelter 1 (near the park entrance) at 8:00 a.m.

A $5 daily vehicle permit is required if you do not have an annual Kansas State Park Pass (available at the self-pay station).
Linn County Park also requires a $5 daily permit for stays longer than one hour. If we explore the south end of La Cygnes Lake, we’ll stop at the marina kiosk to purchase passes before continuing north.

Trip Leader: Malcolm Gold | 608-807-6086 or malcolmgold@gmail.com.
Featured Photo: Herring Gull by Malcolm Gold

October General Meeting on Zoom
2025-10-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
“What’s Up With Those Limpkins? The Great Limpkin Vagrancy Event” Presented by Marky Mutchler, University of Chicago and The Field Museum, Chicago, IL and Mary Nemecek, Missouri Rare Bird Record Committee and Past President of BAS. Limpkins are large wading birds, primarily considered non-migratory. For over a century they’ve been limited in the US to Florida and southern Georgia. In 2017, Limpkins began expanding along the Gulf Coast, but nothing could have predicted the “Hot Limpkin Summers” of 2022 and 2023. Nineteen states received their first state records during this 2-year period, including Missouri and Kansas. A recent publication in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology (M. Mutchler, M. Nemecek, M. Robbins) took an in-depth look at the historical and modern-day movement of Limpkins in the US, and what could be the reasons for this extraordinary mass movement. Marky and Mary will discuss limpkin movements past and present, as well as possible drivers of their fascinating dispersal.

Field Trip: Jerry Smith Park
2025-10-15 08:00 - 10:30 | Jerry Smith Park Trailhead Parking Lot, 13493 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64146
Join us as we visit this restored prairie and city park to conduct a migratory bird census. We will walk the trails in search of migrating Vireos, Flycatchers, Warblers, Thrushes and whatever else is there. This census assists KC Wildlands and their ongoing mission toward land stewardship around the Kansas City Metro region. Counting birds at this park counts toward volunteer hours for Master Naturalists. Individuals of all skill and experience levels are welcome to attend.
Your leader for this trip is Sherry Leonardo. Meet at 8 am at the Jerry Smith Trailhead Parking lot at the top of the ridge. Dress for walking along the 1.25-mile-long trails. Feel free to bring snacks and beverages in addition to your binoculars. For more information, contact Sherry at 816-718-5888 or home172@aol.com
Featured Photo: Leconte’s Sparrow by Ben Cvengros

Field Trip: Clinton Lake
2025-10-13 07:00 - 14:00 | Clinton Lake – US Army Corps of Engineers Office, 872 N 1402 Rd, Lawrence, KS, 66049, United States
Join us for one of fall’s most memorable spectacles: the migration of Franklin’s Gulls. We’ll begin at Clinton Lake Dam right at sunrise (7:28 AM) to catch the early flight activity, then make our way around to Bloomington. If time and interest allow, we’ll continue on to Perry Lake for more birding.
Schedule: Gather at the US Army Corps of Engineers office at 7:00 AM. We’ll depart promptly for the dam pullout, or you may meet us directly at the dam shortly thereafter.
Duration: Expect to bird into the early afternoon. Bringing a lunch is recommended.
Logistics: A day-use park permit is required if you don’t already hold one.
Leader: Mark Land — kestrelland@gmail.com | 816-590-9814
All skill levels welcome!
Featured Photo: Franklin’s Gull migration by Charles Peterson

Field Trip: Maple Woods Natural Area
2025-10-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Maple Woods Natural Area, 2603 NE 76th St, Gladstone, MO, 64119, United States
Join us as we explore the Maple Woods Natural Area, known for its mature maple and oak forest, which is recognized by the National Park Service as a significant Natural Area. We’ll look for resident and migratory forest birds. Please bring binoculars and appropriate shoes for walking on dirt trails. We’ll meet at the parking lot at 9 AM.
Leader: Sally Urdang — urdang.sal@gmail.com | 816-565-1839
All skill levels welcome!
Featured Photo: Blue Jay by Brian Kushner

Field Trip: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area
2025-10-10 08:00 - 10:30 | Burr Oak Woods CA, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Join us for a fall birding walk at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area in Blue Springs, MO. We will meet in front of the nature center at 8 AM, and walk the paved trails for about 2–2.5 hours, keeping an eye out for migrating songbirds, woodpeckers, raptors, and year-round residents.
This trip is open to all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’re welcome!
Trip Leader: Steve Johnson | 816-377-6209 | stevenrjohnson89@gmail.com
Featured Photo: Red-headed Woodpecker by Kathleen Johnston

2025 KOS Fall Meeting
2025-09-26 - 2025-09-28
The 2025 Kansas Ornithological Society fall Meeting is September 26-28.
For more information and how to register, click the following link:
KOS Fall Meeting
