Burroughs Audubon Society

Field Trip: Jerry Smith Park
2025-10-15 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | 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 | KS
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

Bonnie The Biologist
2025-09-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Bryophytes–An Ancient Conversation in Miniature – The secrets, astonishing success, and ecological impact of mosses and their allies.

2025 MBS Fall Meeting
2025-09-19 - 2025-09-21 | KS
Registration is now open for the 2025 Fall Meeting of the Missouri Birding Society in Springfield, Missouri on the weekend of September 19-21, 2025.

The weekend will begin with a welcome social on Friday night, featuring a presentation on Fall Sparrow identification by Kendell Loyd of the Missouri Bird Records Committee. He will share tips on finding and identifying the tricky birds, and put into practice his techniques during a field trip to Bois D’Arc CA on Saturday & Sunday mornings. Other field trips will take us into nearby lakes, woodlands, fields and beyond.

We will gather each night at the Springfield Hilton Garden Inn (Map) at 4155 S. Nature Center Way where we have a block of rooms with our group rate (in effect beginning September 18.) To book your rooms please call 1-417-875-8800 or use this link . Specify the Missouri Birding Society group rate. Deadline is Friday, September 12.

The HGI is located near the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and Lake Springfield, where you can spend Friday afternoon before activities begin at 4:30 in the hotel lobby.

Saturday night will feature a banquet with the keynote address from Don Ficken, founder of DarkSky Missouri and Lights Out Heartland. He will help us understand the ecological toll of light pollution, specifically what it means for migratory birds and other nocturnal life.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Michael O’Keefe
President

September General Meeting on Zoom
2025-09-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
“Water Wars for Wild Wetlands” – Presented by Jackie Augustine, Executive Director of Audubon of Kansas (AOK). Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge form an immense wetland complex in west-central Kansas, designated as internationally important bird habitat. The area abounds with ducks, shorebirds, and cranes during migration and hosts several endangered and threatened species, including Whooping Cranes, Piping Plovers, and Interior Least Terns. Jackie will discuss the fascinating ecology of these wetlands, and describe AOK’s tireless, continuing work to ensure that they receive the water they need to function, in the face of climate change and inevitable competition for this precious resource. Zoom registration link below.

Missouri Young Birder's Club Bird Hike and Social
2025-09-13 09:00 - 11:30 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Do you know a young nature enthusiast who loves birds?Join us for a fun-filled morning of birding and activities in Fleming Park, hosted in partnership by Burroughs Audubon and the Missouri Young Birders Club! It’s the perfect opportunity for kids to explore, learn, and enjoy the wonders of birds.
Check out the flier above for all the details!

Birding at Lewis-Young Park
2025-09-12 08:30 - 10:00 | Lewis-Young Park, 26600 Jingo Rd, Louisburg, KS, 66053, United States
All skill levels are welcome to join as we explore the wooded areas, pond, and streamway of Lewis-Young park in Louisburg, Kansas. We can expect to see some migrating warblers along with familiar woodland species such as woodpeckers and flycatchers.
The walk will cover up to 1.5 miles on soil and rock trails. One stretch crosses a small stream, so mud boots are recommended. While the weather should be cooler, insect repellent will likely be useful.
After entering the park, drive past the Powell Observatory and turn left into the gravel parking lot opposite the paved lot. We’ll gather at the small picnic table area on the west side of the gravel lot.
Your guide will be Chris Krafft. For any questions, you can reach him at chriskrafft2@gmail.com.
Featured Photo: Common Yellowthroat by Randy Streufert

Birding at Tomahawk Creek Park
2025-09-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Tomahawk Park, 3951 W 119th St, Leawood, KS, 66209, United States
Join us as we walk the multi-use paved trails of Tomahawk Streamway in search of south-bound migrants for a couple of hours. Meet at the parking lot on the south side of 119th Street between Roe and Mission at 8:00 am. Individuals of all skill and experience levels are welcome to attend.
Your leader for this trip is Malcolm Gold. For more information, contact Malcolm at 608-807-6086 or malcolmgold@gmail.com.
Featured Photo: Gray Catbird by Malcolm Gold

Birding at Clinton Lake
2025-08-28 07:30 - 11:00 | Clinton Lake – Bloomington Beach, 700 N 1190 Road, Lawrence, KS, 66047, United States
Join us at Clinton Lake to watch fall migration in action! Shorebirds, terns, gulls, and waterfowl are already stopping here, and we’ll explore the shoreline and woods for more early migrants and lingering breeders.
We will meet at the beach parking lot at 7:30 AM if the gate is open. If it is not open we will meet at the boat ramp parking area to the left and down the hill from the gate.
Bring: Binoculars, spotting scope (if you have one), water, snacks, and shoes for sand/grass/concrete paths.
If time allows, we may visit the state park on the other side of the lake (state park pass required; day passes available at kiosk).
Leader: Mark Land — kestrelland@gmail.com | 816-590-9814
All skill levels welcome!

Featured Photo: Caspian Tern by Mick Thompson

Bonnie The Biologist
2025-07-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Missouri Rodentia – The largest taxonomic Order of mammals in the world! From scary to cute, their impact on humans is both historic and profound to present and shocking. New info since last presentation.

Bonnie The Biologist
2025-06-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
The Real Story of Fungi and Mushrooms – Learn about the mysterious underworld of decomposers. Important ecologically as well as medicinally and victually, they’re as fascinating as they are complex. With updated information!

Blue River Parkway Breeding Bird Census
2025-06-21 07:30 - 10:30 | Blue River Parkway, 11420 Blue River Road, Kansas City, MO, 64131
Join us as we conduct a breeding bird census along the Blue River. This census assists KC WildLands and their mission of preserving the natural communities around Kansas City, and it counts toward volunteer hours for Master Naturalists. We’ll walk the hiking/biking trails along the Blue River, approx. 2 miles.
Your leader for this trip is Don Arney. Meet at 7:30 am at the Minor Park tennis courts parking lot. For more information, contact Don at 22sora@gmail.com.

Jerry Smith Park Breeding Bird Census
2025-06-19 07:00 - 11:00 | 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 which is requested to assist with KC Wildlands and their ongoing mission toward land stewardship around the KC Metro region. We will walk the trails in search of any lingering migrating warblers, vireos, flycatchers, thrushes and primarily focus on year-round and summer residents that use the habitat of this Kansas City park for breeding purposes. Counting birds at this park counts toward volunteer hours for Master Naturalists.
Your leader for this trip is Sherry Leonardo. Meet at 7 am at the Jerry Smith Trailhead Parking lot at the top of the ridge. Dress for walking along the 1.5 mile long trails. Participants should spray or prepare for ticks and bring sunscreen. Feel free to bring snacks and beverages in addition to your binoculars. For more information, contact Sherry at home172@aol.com.

Birding at Baker Wetlands
2025-05-31 08:00 - 11:00 | Baker Wetlands, 1365 N 1250 Rd, Lawrence, KS, 66046, United States
Join trip leader Sally Urdang at the Discovery Center parking lot at 8:00 AM on Saturday, May 31. We’ll be searching for the last wave of spring migrants, including shorebirds, warblers, waterfowl, and herons. The trip will run from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Please bring your own binoculars if you have them; Sally will also have a few extras available. Expect to walk 1–3 miles at a relaxed pace, and feel free to return to the parking lot at any time. For questions, contact Sally at 816-565-1839 or urdang.sal@gmail.com.

Bonnie The Biologist
2025-05-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, 7300 SW West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Missouri Amphibians – NEW PROGRAM with guests Jim Hinds and an MDC intern! The primordial and fascinating natural history of Midwest frogs, toads, hellbenders, mud puppies, and more! Our state’s unique, beneficial and compelling story is a treasure for herpetologists worldwide. Landscaping ideas for diverse habitats highlighted, too.

Birding at Burr Oak Woods
2025-05-21 07:30 - 11:00 | Burr Oak Woods CA, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO, 64015, United States
Meet us at 7:30 AM in front of the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center for a relaxed morning of birding along the scenic trails. We’ll spend most of the morning exploring the area in search of migrating warblers, sparrows, vireos, flycatchers, and whatever else we’re lucky enough to spot!
Expect easy walking on gravel and paved trails. Bring binoculars and comfortable walking shoes. All birding levels are welcome, and you’re free to leave whenever your schedule requires.
Your trip leader is Steve Johnson. Feel free to reach out with any questions at stevenrjohnson89@gmail.com or call/text 816-377-6209.

May General Meeting
2025-05-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
“Louisiana Waterthrushes and What They Can Tell Us About Water Quality” – Presented by Dr. Robert Mulvihill, Ornithologist, National Aviary (Pittsburgh, PA). The now-figurative “canary-in-the-coal mine” once was a literal life-saver for coal miners. Birds have a long and storied history in conservation and environmental protection. Their unique physiology, ubiquitous position in terrestrial and aquatic food chains, and broad familiarity and popularity make birds especially effective indicators of and messengers for environmental problems.
Robert Mulvihill will describe ongoing field research and education by the renowned National Aviary focusing on birds as bioindicators of environment health, especially the Louisiana Waterthrush, a species he has studied for thirty years.
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Birding at Forest Hill Cemetery
2025-05-18 09:00 - 11:30 | Forest Hill Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64131, United States
We will meet trip leader Sally Urdang at the front office of Forest Hill Cemetery for this 2.5 hour bird walk. Hopefully we’ll catch a nice inner-city migration action. This field trip will help Sally work towards a quarterly census of the 160-acre property. We will be looking for sparrows, warblers and more. Please bring your own binoculars-there will be extras on hand. Experienced and novice birders are welcome! Bring water, appropriate clothing and walking shoes. This trip begins at 9am. Please check the Burroughs website and facebook for weather updates. Sally is a Master Naturalist with the Osage Trails chapter. Please contact her if you need more information (816/565-1839 or urdang.sal@gmail.com).

Warbler Walk at Schlagle Library, Wyandotte County Lake Park
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Wyandotte County Lake – Schlagle Library, 4051 West Dr, Kansas City, KS, 66109, United States
Enjoy a short spring bird walk at Wyandotte County Lake Park, behind the Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Schlagle Library. We’ll meet at 10:00 AM and look for all types of birds, including warblers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, songbirds, and more. This is a great walk for beginning birders. If you have binoculars, please bring them—if not, we’ll have a few you can borrow.
The organizer for this event is Ann Tanner. If you have any questions, she can be reached at atanner@me.com.

Birding at Unity Village Trail
2025-05-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Unity Village Trail, 1901 NW Blue Pkwy, Unity Village, MO, 64065, United States
Meet at the Nature Trail parking lot at Unity Village at 1901 NW Blue Pkwy, Unity Village, MO at 8:00 am. We will walk the three mile trail in search of northbound migrants as well as anything else present. The trail is mostly flat, but there are a couple of moderate and challenging sections.
Your leader for this trip is Ruth Simmons. If you have any questions she can be contacted at tinamou99@hotmail.com

Birding at Blue Springs Lake Wetlands
2025-05-13 08:00 - 10:30 | Blue Springs Lake & Wetlands, 2M88+W5 Lee's Summit, Missouri, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64064, United States
Join us for a morning of birding at Blue Springs Lake & Wetlands. We’ll meet at 8 AM in the parking lot above the wetlands by the dam for a quick scan of the lake before heading down to the wetlands. We will explore a variety of habitats—lakeshore, marsh, and woodland edges—in search of migrating songbirds, lingering shorebirds, and anything else that flies our way. This area can be productive in mid-May, offering a nice mix of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and water-loving species.

Expect easy walking on paved and gravel trails. Bring binoculars and comfortable walking shoes. All birding levels are welcome, and you’re free to leave whenever your schedule requires.

Directions coming from the south west: take Exit 14, Bowlin Road, off of I-470. Take a right and go east on Bowlin Road past the convenience store on your right and through the stoplight to NE Campground Rd on your left (hard to see, comes up fast). Turn left and follow the road toward the campground. At the campground entrance turn left and follow the road to the dam. Drive across the dam- you’ll be able to see the parking lot next to the dam on your right.

Directions from the north: take Exit 16A US Highway 40, off of I-470. Take a left and go east on US 40-Corporal Webster Memorial Parkway for 2.4 miles and turn right onto Tapawingo Lane/Turkey Hollow Rd. Take an immediate right on Lake Ridge Rd for half a mile and you will see the parking lot next to the dam on your left.

Birding at Antioch Park
2025-05-12 07:00 - 11:00 | Antioch Park
Join us for a morning of spring migration birding at Antioch Park! We’ll meet at 7:00 AM in the lower parking lot north of the office buildings near Shelter 3 (follow the road all the way into the park).
This is a small park, but a great spot to search for neotropical migrants as they move through the area.
What to bring: binoculars, water, snacks, sunscreen—whatever you usually take along for birding. Everyone is welcome, and you’re free to leave at any time that fits your schedule.
Questions? Contact Mark Land at:kestrelland@gmail.comText: 816-590-9814

Birding at Charlotte Sawyer Nature Area
2025-05-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Charlotte Sawyer Nature Area, 6075 NW Union Chapel Road, Parkville, MO, 64152, United States
Join Sally Urdang for a bird hike through Charlotte Sawyer Nature Area in Parkville Missouri on Saturday, May 10th from 9am-11am. We’ll look for migrating species, specifically warblers, vireos, and sparrows. Please bring binoculars, and we’ll have a few extra on site. Register here, so that in case of a weather cancellation, you will be notified. Expect to walk 1-2 miles on dirt trails. Wear clothes that protect against bugs and sun, and wear sturdy shoes. Please contact Sally if you need more information (816/565-1839 or urdang.sal@gmail.com).
