Nelson Island

Kansas · Midwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nelson Island is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/4/202611801 W 78th Terr, Lenexa US-KS 38.98585, -94.720992 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided)

Junco hyemalis

3/2/2026707 Zumwalt Ave, Grandview US-MO 38.89578, -94.536331 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Auto selected 39.12852, -94.757511 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

2/27/2026Swope Park--Kansas City Zoo (NO CAPTIVE BIRDS)1 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

2/20/2026Home in KCMO 641511 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

42/28/2026

Mallard

52/28/2026

Green-winged Teal

312/28/2026

Mourning Dove

32/28/2026

Killdeer

32/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2502/28/2026

Bald Eagle

32/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

32/28/2026

Northern Flicker

32/28/2026

Blue Jay

32/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

22/28/2026

Brown Creeper

12/28/2026

Carolina Wren

22/28/2026

Eastern Bluebird

22/28/2026

American Robin

132/28/2026

Cedar Waxwing

12/28/2026

American Tree Sparrow

22/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Nelson Island for birding?
The best months to visit Nelson Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nelson Island?
Notable species at Nelson Island include Canada Goose, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Killdeer. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nelson Island?
Birding at Nelson Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Nelson Island?
Nelson Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.