Grassland birding habitat

Thousand Hills State Park

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Thousand Hills State Park is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, and Red-headed Woodpecker 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

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

4/11/202616839 Stokes Rd, Kirksville US-MO 40.24554, -92.602132 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

4/3/2026Sugar Creek Subdivision3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/15/2026

Barred Owl

14/15/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

24/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/15/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/15/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/15/2026

American Robin

54/15/2026

American Goldfinch

14/15/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/15/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/12/2026

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 Thousand Hills State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Thousand Hills State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Thousand Hills State Park?
Notable species at Thousand Hills State Park include Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, Red-headed Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Thousand Hills State Park?
Birding at Thousand Hills State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Thousand Hills State Park?
Thousand Hills State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.