Coastal birding habitat

Nelson Island

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nelson Island is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

Broad-winged Hawk (Northern)

Buteo platypterus

6/1/2026Prairie Center1 observed

Turkey Vulture (Northern)

Cathartes aura

6/1/2026Prairie Center3 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

6/1/2026Wyandotte Co. Lake1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

5/30/2026Zabel Residence1 observed

House Finch (Common)

Haemorhous mexicanus

5/29/2026Cedar Niles Park2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/28/2026Dempsey Stranger Creek Bottomland1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/26/2026Wyandotte Co. Lake1 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/26/2026Wyandotte Co. Lake1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/26/2026Indian Creek Trail, Westgate to Pflumm1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/25/2026Hidden Lakes Park Olathe US-KS 38.93967, -94.883671 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

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

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/25/2026Phillips Shadow Cir, Olathe1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/24/2026Walmart Warehouse Wetlands1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/24/2026Southlake, Lenexa, KS. (38.926243, -94.767828)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

105/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/23/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/23/2026

Alder Flycatcher

25/23/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/23/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/23/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/23/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/23/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

55/23/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/23/2026

Tree Swallow

25/23/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/23/2026

Carolina Wren

25/23/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/23/2026

House Sparrow

15/23/2026

American Goldfinch

15/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Nelson Island for birding?
The best months to visit Nelson Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nelson Island?
Notable species at Nelson Island include Canada Goose, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Killdeer. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nelson Island?
Birding at Nelson Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Nelson Island?
Nelson Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.