Lake birding habitat

Hillsdale Lake

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hillsdale Lake is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Broad-winged Hawk (Northern)

Buteo platypterus

6/1/2026Prairie Center1 observed

Turkey Vulture (Northern)

Cathartes aura

6/1/2026Prairie Center3 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

6/1/2026Hillsdale SP1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

5/30/2026Zabel Residence1 observed

House Finch (Common)

Haemorhous mexicanus

5/29/2026Cedar Niles Park2 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

5/28/2026Paola WTP1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/28/2026Paola WTP1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

5/25/2026Heritage Park--Heritage Lake1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/24/2026Walmart Warehouse Wetlands1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/24/2026Cedar Creek--W 127th St.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

25/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Bell's Vireo

25/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

155/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

25/31/2026

Summer Tanager

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

35/31/2026

Dickcissel

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

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