El Dorado Lake

Kansas · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

El Dorado Lake is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye 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

Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Killdeer Ring-billed Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

7/20/2026NE 150th St1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

7/8/2026Off of 40th St, Cassoday1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

207/15/2026

Northern Bobwhite

17/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/15/2026

Mourning Dove

27/15/2026

Green Heron

17/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

67/15/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

37/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/15/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

17/15/2026

American Crow

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

27/15/2026

European Starling

107/15/2026

Gray Catbird

27/15/2026

American Robin

17/15/2026

American Goldfinch

27/15/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

27/15/2026

Dickcissel

67/15/2026

Killdeer

57/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/15/2026

Mississippi Kite

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Kansas

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Largest US inland marsh and critical Central Flyway shorebird stopover.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Unique inland salt marshes with nesting Snowy Plovers and migrating Sandhill Cranes.

170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue)

Wetland birding hotspot in Kansas with 220 recorded species.

Kansas Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Kansas →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit El Dorado Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit El Dorado Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at El Dorado Lake?▼

Notable species at El Dorado Lake include Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at El Dorado Lake?▼

Birding at El Dorado Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at El Dorado Lake?▼

El Dorado Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.