Hillsdale Lake

Kansas · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard Bufflehead Common Goldeneye American Coot

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

7/21/2026Prairie Center Park, Olathe1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/14/2026Eudora, 1961 North 900 Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

257/20/2026

Green Heron

27/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

77/20/2026

Bald Eagle

17/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

27/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/20/2026

Northern Parula

17/20/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

407/19/2026

Mallard

17/19/2026

Chimney Swift

17/19/2026

Great Egret

37/19/2026

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 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.