Hillsdale Lake

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hillsdale Lake is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

2/28/2026Heritage Park--Heritage Lake2 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/27/2026Middle Creek Lake1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

2/25/2026Lake Olathe Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

American Coot

13/5/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

American Herring Gull

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

American White Pelican

13/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/5/2026

Mallard

43/1/2026

Bufflehead

43/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/1/2026

Killdeer

33/1/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

13/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Bald Eagle

123/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

Northern Flicker

43/1/2026

American Kestrel

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

23/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hillsdale Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Hillsdale Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hillsdale Lake?
Notable species at Hillsdale Lake include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hillsdale Lake?
Birding at Hillsdale Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hillsdale Lake?
Hillsdale Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.