Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Northern Pintail, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/2/2026

Northern Pintail

83/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

83/2/2026

Greater Scaup

43/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Northern Flicker

13/2/2026

American Crow

43/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

63/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/2/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

23/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/2/2026

European Starling

123/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/2/2026

American Robin

43/2/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

63/2/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

53/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

403/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary?
Notable species at Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary include Mallard, Northern Pintail, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Great Blue Heron. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary?
Birding at Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary?
Smoky Hills Audubon Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.