Grassland birding habitat

Ford SFL

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ford SFL is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland 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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/29/2026Calhoun Residence #31 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/23/2026DC Youth Complex1 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

5/23/2026Ford SFL--Elm Creek Woods1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

15/23/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/23/2026

Mourning Dove

25/23/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/23/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/23/2026

Killdeer

15/23/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/23/2026

Tree Swallow

15/23/2026

Northern House Wren

25/23/2026

European Starling

25/23/2026

Brown Thrasher

25/23/2026

American Goldfinch

15/23/2026

Western Meadowlark

15/23/2026

Orchard Oriole

65/23/2026

Common Grackle

25/23/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/23/2026

Canada Goose

55/23/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

45/23/2026

Chimney Swift

15/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/23/2026

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 Ford SFL for birding?
The best months to visit Ford SFL for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ford SFL?
Notable species at Ford SFL include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ford SFL?
Birding at Ford SFL is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ford SFL?
Ford SFL offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.