Wetland birding habitat

Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Turkey Vulture (Northern)

Cathartes aura

6/1/2026Baker Wetlands (general)2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/31/2026Clinton Lake--Dam2 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/30/2026Clinton Lake--Bloomington East1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/29/2026Clinton Lake--Bloomington East1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/27/2026Baker Wetlands--West Restoration1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/25/2026Baker Wetlands--West Restoration1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/23/2026

Killdeer

15/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/23/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/23/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Bell's Vireo

25/23/2026

Blue Jay

25/23/2026

American Crow

25/23/2026

Barn Swallow

55/23/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/23/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/23/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

55/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/23/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/23/2026

Common Grackle

355/23/2026

Common Yellowthroat

55/23/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 - Model Airport & Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh?
Notable species at Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh?
Birding at Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh?
Clinton Lake - Model Airport & Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.