Yes, there are bald eagles in Kansas. In fact, bald eagle sightings have become increasingly common in Kansas over the past few decades, thanks to conservation efforts and the availability of suitable habitats.
Bald Eagle Sightings in Kansas
The first bald eagle nest in the state of Kansas was reported near Clinton Lake in 1989, after years of population decline and risk of extinction. Since then, the bald eagle population in Kansas has been steadily increasing, and there are several great spots in the state for birdwatchers to spot these majestic birds.
Wyandotte County Lake
One of the best places to see bald eagles in Kansas is Wyandotte County Lake, which attracts eagles in the winter and offers opportunities for birdwatching with 1,500 acres of wooded area and a 400-acre lake. The lake is located at 91st and Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City, KS.
Smithville Lake
Another popular spot for bald eagle viewing is Smithville Lake, which is a Kansas City favorite, with eagles often seen near the reservoir and along hiking trails. The trail system at the lake includes 24 miles of asphalt walking and biking trails, 11 miles of single-track mountain biking trails, and 26 miles of equestrian trails.
Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake, located just west of Lawrence, is also a great place to see bald eagles, with over 50 miles of nature trails and a variety of bird habitats. In fact, the first bald eagle nest in the state of Kansas was reported near Clinton Lake in 1989. The Corp. of Engineer Visitor Center can recommend the bald eagle viewing sites at Clinton Lake, which is located at Clinton Lake at 872 N 1402 Rd, Lawrence, KS.
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
For those willing to travel a bit further, the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Mound City, KS, is another great spot for bald eagle viewing. The refuge features a popular driving tour and hiking trails, with promising views of bald eagles and other wildlife. The refuge includes a visitor center and a 10-mile one-way auto tour.
Best Time to Spot Bald Eagles in Kansas
Image source: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
When it comes to the best time to spot bald eagles, the Missouri Department of Conservation recommends looking for them near rivers and lakes perched on trees from late December to early January, especially in the morning between 7 – 10 AM and again before it gets dark between 4 – 5 PM. However, eagle viewing is also weather dependent, and extreme cold temperatures can cause birds to migrate to warmer weather.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several great spots in Kansas for bald eagle viewing, including Wyandotte County Lake, Smithville Lake, Clinton Lake, and the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge. The best time to spot bald eagles is in the morning or late afternoon, and conservation efforts have led to a steady increase in the bald eagle population in Kansas over the past few decades.
