Grassland birding habitat

Rooks SFL

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rooks SFL is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 203 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Webster Res.1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

4/13/2026Five Rd, Stockton US-KS 39.51843, -99.527851 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/10/2026S Kirwin Lake Rd, Kirwin US-KS 39.63499, -99.148901 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/5/2026Kirwin NWR--Prairie Dog Town2 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/4/20262601–2643 E 700 Rd, Kirwin US-KS 39.62225, -99.197391 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Pheasant

54/14/2026

Mourning Dove

74/14/2026

Western Meadowlark

74/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/14/2026

Horned Lark

14/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/14/2026

Common Grackle

34/14/2026

Greater Prairie-Chicken

24/14/2026

American Crow

24/14/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

24/14/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/13/2026

Canada Goose

74/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

44/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

404/13/2026

Gadwall

24/13/2026

American Wigeon

24/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

14/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/13/2026

Northern Bobwhite

14/13/2026

American Coot

804/13/2026

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