Rocky Ford SFA

Kansas · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rocky Ford SFA is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland 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 Merganser Mourning Dove

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

4/14/20264884 River Pond Rd, Manhattan US-KS 39.24993, -96.597461 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/5/2026Tuttle Creek SP--Beaver Pond

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Franklin's Gull

34/16/2026

Swainson's Hawk

14/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

34/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

American Crow

24/16/2026

European Starling

24/16/2026

Brown Thrasher

24/16/2026

American Robin

24/16/2026

House Finch

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Blue Jay

34/16/2026

Fish Crow

24/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/16/2026

Northern House Wren

14/16/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/16/2026

Northern Parula

44/16/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
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 Rocky Ford SFA for birding?▼

The best months to visit Rocky Ford SFA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Rocky Ford SFA?▼

Notable species at Rocky Ford SFA include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Rocky Ford SFA?▼

Birding at Rocky Ford SFA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Rocky Ford SFA?▼

Rocky Ford SFA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.