Lake birding habitat

Clinton Lake

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Clinton Lake is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

4/16/2026Baker Wetlands--East Restoration1 observed

Gadwall x Northern Pintail (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas acuta

4/15/2026Haskell Wetlands1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026Pumphrey Prairie1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/15/2026"Chickadee Ridge Nature Reserve", AKA, GLP home1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/14/2026Baker Wetlands--West Restoration2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/13/2026Tollefson Property1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/11/2026Clinton Lake--Bloomington East3 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/9/2026Burcham Park, Lawrence1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/9/2026Burcham Park, Lawrence1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/4/2026Westwood Hills1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/3/2026Pumphrey Prairie1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

574/16/2026

Killdeer

14/16/2026

Least Sandpiper

14/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

534/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

114/16/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/16/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Eastern Phoebe

34/16/2026

Blue Jay

24/16/2026

American Crow

54/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

64/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/16/2026

Tree Swallow

234/16/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

94/16/2026

Barn Swallow

184/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/16/2026

Carolina Wren

34/16/2026

Eastern Bluebird

64/16/2026

American Robin

34/16/2026

Cedar Waxwing

94/16/2026

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