Date: 5/6/26 4:12 pm From: mike rader <mike_rader...> Subject: Re: First Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks in Morton Co. 5/6
Congratulations on getting the ducks!
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> ________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Brandon <flammowl17...>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 5:51:26 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: First Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks in Morton Co. 5/6
Chad and Trish Remley earlier today, found four Black-bellied
Whistling-Ducks on a grain building in Elkhart in Morton County. Finally
late this afternoon, I refound them at Elkhart Golf Course pond, after
several times back and forth between this pond and sewer ponds. This should
be the first ones ever found in Morton County. I got photos of them. This
is my 300 bird species for Morton County too! My first trip there was in
fall of 1994, when I got to bird with Chris Hobbs, Sebastian Patti, Mick
McHugh and others. They introduced me to Morton County birding, and it has
been a fun place for me to visit for many years.
Date: 5/6/26 3:51 pm From: Brandon <flammowl17...> Subject: First Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks in Morton Co. 5/6
Chad and Trish Remley earlier today, found four Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks on a grain building in Elkhart in Morton County. Finally late this afternoon, I refound them at Elkhart Golf Course pond, after several times back and forth between this pond and sewer ponds. This should be the first ones ever found in Morton County. I got photos of them. This is my 300 bird species for Morton County too! My first trip there was in fall of 1994, when I got to bird with Chris Hobbs, Sebastian Patti, Mick McHugh and others. They introduced me to Morton County birding, and it has been a fun place for me to visit for many years.
Date: 5/5/26 2:36 pm From: Kevin Groeneweg <kgroeneweg1616...> Subject: County Listing Totals to be Updated May 10
Hello county listers!
I attempted to send this out the other day while at the KOS meeting but my iPad had other ideas. Anyway, I hope those who attended got a lot of new county birds!
Please send me updates to your county life totals, as well as updates to your Kansas life and year list totals, by Sunday, May 10. For county life totals, you must have seen or heard a minimum of 75 species to be "listable" in a county. Send your updates to <kgroeneweg1616...> Please send only updates to your list totals and not your entire list of county totals. Let me know if you have any questions.
Date: 5/5/26 2:32 pm From: K Sain <saink745...> Subject: Re: Western Kingbirds (males fighting)
Ken,
I checked two known Western Kingbird nest sites on KU campus in Lawrence a
few days ago and didn’t see or hear them so I’ll check again. After reading
your note about a return to the same “metal bracket” in Hays, I looked at
allaboutbirds.org’s range map showing their winter range to estimate how
far they travel to get to sites in Kansas. Using Google Maps to measure
distance straight south of Hays to a random spot in southern Mexico where
they overwinter gives a sense of just how far they flew to get to that
single metal bracket. And it may be even farther than that. This return by
long distance migrants to a nest site after 6-7 months away is truly
astonishing, an arrival worth celebrating. Best of luck to your nesting
pair!
Kim Sain
Lawrence, KS
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 8:20 PM Kenneth Kinman <kinman...> wrote:
> Hi All,
> I watched three Western Kingbirds yesterday around the usual
> nesting site (having nested down the alley last year). There were two
> males fighting.
> The two male Western Kingbirds were at first just chasing one
> another, with the female clearly watching them. This aerial sparring then
> turned more vicious. They then clung together as they spiraled down to the
> ground where they vigorously attacked one another. Finally they both flew
> away, and one male then soon returned near to the female on the wire above
> their nesting site. A little later I saw the female inspecting the metal
> bracket upon which the nest is usually built.
> Watched them today just flying out to catch insects. No sign of
> the second male.
> ------Ken Kinman (Hays, Kansas)
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Hi All,
I watched three Western Kingbirds yesterday around the usual nesting site (having nested down the alley last year). There were two males fighting.
The two male Western Kingbirds were at first just chasing one another, with the female clearly watching them. This aerial sparring then turned more vicious. They then clung together as they spiraled down to the ground where they vigorously attacked one another. Finally they both flew away, and one male then soon returned near to the female on the wire above their nesting site. A little later I saw the female inspecting the metal bracket upon which the nest is usually built.
Watched them today just flying out to catch insects. No sign of the second male.
------Ken Kinman (Hays, Kansas)
Date: 5/4/26 11:21 am From: Dan Thalmann <editor...> Subject: New arrivals in Washington County
New arrivals this morning (May 4) in my Palmer yard (Washington County) include:
Red-eyed Vireo
Dickcissel
Orchard Oriole
Also of note:
A dead rabbit in my yard served as a carrion feeder - a crow was eating it this morning!
The call of a Red-shouldered Hawk in my yard yesterday made me jump out of my seat yesterday to track it down. (Rare sighting here.) Merlin even picked it up. But of course, it was a Blue Jay. Very impressive bird vocalization.
Still no chimney swifts.
Sent from my iPhone
-Dan Thalmann
Owner/Publisher, Washington County News
Owner, Backroads News& Media
With the cold fronts and bright sun today we're certainly hitting the right notes for migrants here in Marion. Birds everywhere. Went to the sewer poinds/rock dump/CottonWood River for a few minutes, to the park platform and stepped out back to the woods at Luta Creek. Here's the list....so far (this is fun):
Indigo bunting Northern cardinal White-throated sparrow Harris's sparrow Cedar waxwings (lots for weeks) House wren Canada goose Yellow-rumped warbler Chipping sparrow Black-and-white warbler Carolina wren Song sparrow Dickcissel (summer is here) Red-bellied woodpecker Tufted titmouse Chimney swift Robin Northern flicker Swainson's thrush (lots this year and for a week or two) Black-capped chickadee White-crowned sparrow Greater yellowlegs Northern rough-winged swallow (didn't see it, picked up on Merlin
Park downtown (was only here briefly looking for yellow warblers which I found at home, also on the creek like the park):
Northern parula (have heard this there for two weeks behind the police station) Eurasian collared dove (of course) Robin and House sparrow
Back home in the woods along Luta (Mud) Creek):
Mourning dove
Indigo bunting Northern cardinal White-throated sparrow Harris's sparrow Cedar waxwings House finch Blue jay Great crested flycatcher (been back about three days) Ruby-crowned kinglet Blackpoll warbler Red-eyed vireo (first day back) Yellow-rumped warbler Carolina wren Red-bellied woodpecker Tufted titmouse Robin Swainson's thrush
Date: 4/30/26 5:22 pm From: Dan office mac 2025 <editor...> Subject: FOY Ruby-throat, etc.
First of year for Palmer, Washington County
Baltimore Oriole - Apr. 22
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Apr. 30
There were Chimney Swifts above downtown Clay Center, Clay County, today, but not above downtown Washington, Washington County, today.
I’ve been gone for a week. The wetlands NE or Linn have dried up. There were many shovelers and BW Teal at the Linn Sewage Ponds, as well as Wilson’s Phalarope. Also had a Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper today. Also flushed a couple of rails in the vegetated third cell, but couldn’t identify.
-Dan
Dan Thalmann
• Owner – Washington County News, Washington, Kansas www.backroadsnews.com
785-747-6980 (cell, feel free to text me)
<editor...>
“Faith, Family, & the Freedom to keep it that way."
Date: 4/30/26 5:50 am From: dallas hewett <00001b07e40bca8d-dmarc-request...> Subject: A late opportunity for a grad or undergrad student
My daughter sent this too me and I figure I'm probably too old.But would be a great opportunity for a grad or undergrad student. Specifically bird banding.
Careers
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Careers
Careers Songbird Banding and Education Internship (2 positions; July 30 – September 29)*We are seeking two interns to assist with research and education efforts at the long-running Creamer’s…
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Date: 4/29/26 8:49 pm From: Chuck Otte <00001b0b31b1d152-dmarc-request...> Subject: Tracking sightings at Spring KOS
If you are attending KOS this weekend and if you keep a list on eBird, please share that list with KSOrnSociety so that we can do a county by county breakdown of sightings after the weekend. We'll still have the bird checklist boards for folks to mark sightings on - which is always fun. The counties that we are including in the compilation are: Allen, Greenwood, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson. The time frame is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Looking forward to seeing many of you this weekend!!
Date: 4/29/26 11:10 am From: Kevin Groeneweg <kgroeneweg1616...> Subject: KOS Spring Meeting info
For those headed to the KOS spring meeting in Chanute this weekend...
For the Friday evening social at Union Works Brewing in Humboldt, I plan to be there at 6:00 pm, so you can show up anytime between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. We will have field trip sign-up sheets available. Signing up isn't mandatory, but it gives the leaders a good idea of who and how many will be on the trip. Currently, we have the following trips planned: Choteau Creek property, Elk City Lake and Elk City wetlands (Montgomery Co.). Leaders: Jennifer Jones and Ed Miller. Fall River Lake and Wilson SFL (Greenwood and Wilson Co.). Leader: Malcolm Gold. Toronto Lake and Woodson SFL (Woodson Co.). Leader: Kevin Groeneweg Neosho WA (Neosho Co.). Leader: Andrew Burnett. Meet for field trips both Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 am at the Chanute Sports Complex (high school) parking lot.
For the Saturday night banquet, the doors of the SEK Impact Conference Center will be open at 5:00 pm, with dinner planned for 6:00 pm.
On Sunday we will likely do the Lehigh-Portland trails and other Iola hotspots (Allen Co.) as a closer option, depending on what folks want to do. The coordinates to the picnic shelter at Santa Fe Lake in Chanute for the noon compilation are 37.654843, -95.455468.
I have to amend my jelly eaters list, currently we have an adult male
Rose-breasted Grosbeak taking a turn at the jelly feeder for the second day
in a row...
Brandon Magette of St Marys, mobile @ 785-844-0139
On Tue, Apr 21, 2026, 16:01 Melody Pollom <mkpollom...> wrote:
Date: 4/27/26 10:07 pm From: Yang, Bobinyu <000011d835fbb54b-dmarc-request...> Subject: Few and Far Between
The sightings of the northern bobwhite in Johnson County, Kansas seem few and far between. A cursory inspection of the e-Bird photo records for the past five years reveals only one photo submitted on March 28, 2024 by Bryan White. My wife and I are happy to report our encounter today with a male/female pair scurrying across S. Pflumm Rd. just north of W. 215th St. in Bucyrus (38.7389281, -94.7417221).
Three photos, taken between 6:25 and 6:27 p.m., 4/27/2026, may be viewed here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S328768029
Bob I. Yang
<yangb...>
Overland Park, Johnson County
Date: 4/27/26 10:33 am From: Thomas Schermerhorn <tscherme...> Subject: Hooded warbler in Manhattan KS
The hooded warbler that Sam Schermerhorn found this morning at Cottonwood trail, Tuttle state park, Manhattan KS is still present and singing as of 12:15 pm. About 20 yards from north trailhead, song the east side. Good looks.
Tom Schermerhorn
Date: 4/27/26 10:09 am From: Heather Brown <heatherpatricebrown...> Subject: Re: FOS
Nice!
Heather Patrice Brown
Naturephile.net
On Mon, Apr 27, 2026, 11:47 AM Marla Shoemaker <
<marlaswhisperingpines...> wrote:
> The storm last night seems to have brought in my FOS hummingbirds, indigo
> buntings and painted buntings! What a great morning! Also brought out some
> Harris'sparrows which have been pretty sparse around here all winter. Have
> had lots of white- crowned sparrows over the past few weeks.
>
> Marla in Manhattan
>
> Riley County
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 4/27/26 9:47 am From: Marla Shoemaker <marlaswhisperingpines...> Subject: FOS
The storm last night seems to have brought in my FOS hummingbirds, indigo buntings and painted buntings! What a great morning! Also brought out some Harris'sparrows which have been pretty sparse around here all winter. Have had lots of white- crowned sparrows over the past few weeks.
Date: 4/26/26 11:16 am From: Brandon Magette <averbirder...> Subject: Re: Western Kingbird (Hays, Kansas)
Here in St Marys we got a House Wren a few days ago, and just last evening I saw a Baltimore Oriole, both birds seen before heard oddly enough. My wife saw a Scissor-tailed along the road somewhere in Nemaha county yesterday.
I always look forward to my first sighting of Upland Sandpipers, they are such a cartoonish bird.
Brandon Magette of St Marys, mobile @ 785-844-0139
On Sun, Apr 26, 2026, 12:59 VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...> wrote:
> I saw a western kingbird last evening, April 25, and FOS eastern kingbird > on Thursday, April 23. That same morning, April 23, I spotted a FOS > scissor-tailed flycatcher. Our house wrens are back, along with spotted > towhees and brown thrashers. I'm eagerly waiting for the arrival of > Baltimore orioles! > Pam Martin > Barton County > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Kenneth Kinman" <kinman...> > To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...> > Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2026 7:35:56 PM > Subject: Western Kingbird (Hays, Kansas) > > Hi All, > I saw my first Western Kingbird of the season this morning about > 8:30. It was on top of the 6-foot circular lamp post about 12 feet from > my front window. The kingbird swooped down and caught an insect on the > sidewalk and then flew away. > I kept looking for it the rest of today, but unfortunately that was > only time I saw it. So not sure if it will stick around or if it was just > migrating through. In any case, I always look forward to western kingbirds > arriving and nesting. > ----------Ken Kinman (Hays, Kansas) > > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> > > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 4/26/26 10:59 am From: VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...> Subject: Re: Western Kingbird (Hays, Kansas)
I saw a western kingbird last evening, April 25, and FOS eastern kingbird on Thursday, April 23. That same morning, April 23, I spotted a FOS scissor-tailed flycatcher. Our house wrens are back, along with spotted towhees and brown thrashers. I'm eagerly waiting for the arrival of Baltimore orioles! Pam Martin Barton County
----- Original Message ----- From: "Kenneth Kinman" <kinman...> To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...> Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2026 7:35:56 PM Subject: Western Kingbird (Hays, Kansas)
Hi All, I saw my first Western Kingbird of the season this morning about 8:30. It was on top of the 6-foot circular lamp post about 12 feet from my front window. The kingbird swooped down and caught an insect on the sidewalk and then flew away. I kept looking for it the rest of today, but unfortunately that was only time I saw it. So not sure if it will stick around or if it was just migrating through. In any case, I always look forward to western kingbirds arriving and nesting. ----------Ken Kinman (Hays, Kansas)
Date: 4/25/26 6:07 pm From: Henry Armknecht <armknecht...> Subject: Re: Western Kingbird (Hays, Kansas)
Heard what sounded to me like a Mississippi Kite in Hays today. It only called once - close and loud, but never came on around the house where I could see it.
Henry Armknecht
On 4/25/2026 7:35 PM, Kenneth Kinman wrote:
> Hi All, > I saw my first Western Kingbird of the season this morning about 8:30. It was on top of the 6-foot circular lamp post about 12 feet from my front window. The kingbird swooped down and caught an insect on the sidewalk and then flew away. > I kept looking for it the rest of today, but unfortunately that was only time I saw it. So not sure if it will stick around or if it was just migrating through. In any case, I always look forward to western kingbirds arriving and nesting. > ----------Ken Kinman (Hays, Kansas) > > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Hi All,
I saw my first Western Kingbird of the season this morning about 8:30. It was on top of the 6-foot circular lamp post about 12 feet from my front window. The kingbird swooped down and caught an insect on the sidewalk and then flew away.
I kept looking for it the rest of today, but unfortunately that was only time I saw it. So not sure if it will stick around or if it was just migrating through. In any case, I always look forward to western kingbirds arriving and nesting.
----------Ken Kinman (Hays, Kansas)
At least 1, and possibly 2, Swainson's Thrush skulking around our backyard this morning. Singing and making their "drip" calls.
Baltimore Oriole showed up April 21 at our house.
No Chimney Swifts yet.
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
*Limited Batch: Spring 2026 Meeting Shirts — Orders Due Monday, April 27 at
5:00 PM*
*$20 each or 2 for $35 *
With just one week until the spring meeting in Chanute, I'm excited to
offer a new KOS apparel option! I hope everyone is excited for the warmer
spring weather and has been safe from the storms.
I am now accepting pre-orders for short-sleeve, unisex shirts (Tultex 202).
These are available in *Sand *(tan colored in the picture) or *Heather
Military Green* (greenish colored in the picture). Sizes range from XS to
4XL. You may have Tultex 202 already in your closet for sizing. I found
them to be generally consistent, though it may run slightly smaller than a
traditional men's cut.
To place an order, you can either comment on the KOS Facebook post or email
me. Be sure to include your size, color, and quantity for each selection.
I am encouraging pickup at the spring meeting; however shipping is
available if needed. Please note that shipping costs (poly mailer and
postage) will be added to your total.
A limited number of extra shirts (select sizes and colors) will be
available at the meeting. All orders must be submitted by Monday at 5pm.
Date: 4/24/26 5:11 pm From: Dan Mulhern <browndog06...> Subject: CB and QNWR
I'm writing to ask about current water/habitat conditions at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira NWR right now. Has anyone birded there recently?
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
Date: 4/22/26 4:05 pm From: Kevin Groeneweg <kgroeneweg1616...> Subject: Wichita Audubon Field Trip to Quivira & Cheyenne Bottoms
I will be leading the Wichita Audubon field trip to Quivira NWR and Cheyenne Bottoms on Saturday the 25th. Details are at the link below. I have one open seat in my car if anyone wants to carpool. Otherwise, meet at the Quivira headquarters at 8:00 am.
Date: 4/21/26 10:36 am From: Elmer Finck <efinck...> Subject: Re: [TAS Members] Parula at jelly.
Wow! That is cool. Either have I. Elmer
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Brandon Magette <averbirder...>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 11:35:26 AM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: [TAS Members] Parula at jelly.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Fort Hays State University. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Very nice! The only thing that eats jelly around our place other than the
Orioles are the House Finches...
Brandon Magette of St Marys, mobile @ 785-844-0139
On Tue, Apr 21, 2026, 11:32 terry mannell <terryman0405...> wrote:
Date: 4/21/26 9:32 am From: terry mannell <terryman0405...> Subject: Parula at jelly.
We had a surprise at the jelly feeder this morning; a Northern Prula eating grape jelly. We've never seen a warbler eating jelly before. Just thought it was neat.
Date: 4/19/26 8:23 am From: Max Thompson <maxt...> Subject: Re: Baltimore Oriole
We had a Northern Oriole last week in Winfield. I was somewhat surprised to see a Pileated Woodpecker flying over the south part of town. They are regular along the river but usually not in town.
Max Thompson On Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 07:12:43 PM CDT, Elmer Finck <efinck...> wrote:
I heard the orioles are as far north as Wichita already. Are there any other reports?
Date: 4/17/26 9:20 am From: Dan Thalmann <editor...> Subject: Shorebirds way down at Linn wetlands
The shorebird variety northeast of Linn, Washington County, at the playa wetland is way down today.
Remaining our vast numbers of shovelers and blue wing teal. There are still a ton of lesser yellowlegs, and a handful of dowitchers and godwits. But that’s about it.
Water levels are down through ongoing drainage. Maybe another rain will fill it up a little and serve as a stopover again.
Sent from my iPhone
-Dan Thalmann
Owner/Publisher, Washington County News
Owner, Backroads News& Media
Date: 4/17/26 6:51 am From: Daniel Smith <daniel...> Subject: Lark Sparrow
Does anyone else appreciate lark sparrows? I can't say that I have ever seen one that I know of, but the Merlin app (which I love) tells me when I hear them and I really love their song! I don't hear them very often, but when I do, it is always a joy!
Daniel Smith
Mike Johnson Sales
(316) 744-1244
mikejohnsonsales.com
-- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software. www.avg.com
According to the photo collection in eBird, nobody had made a submission from Johnson County for the Wilsons phalarope this year. I am pleased to have stumbled upon this lone bird in a seemingly unlikely spot. It was a puddle near (38.738363, -94.725193) that formed after the recent rains. The location is in the southwest quadrant of the intersection of 215th Street and Quivira Road, just a stones throw from the Meyers Turf Farms.
The bird appeared to be a breeding female with bright and contrasting colors. She was busily foraging in the company of many greater yellowlegs and blue-winged teals. However, there was no swimming in small, tight circles. Two photos, taken at 4:38 and 4:49 p.m., 4/16/2026, may be viewed here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S322727226 Bob I. Yang
<yangb...>
Overland Park, Johnson County
Date: 4/16/26 7:30 pm From: Dan office mac 2025 <editor...> Subject: Linn wetlands (Washington County) and frustration with Merlin
Thursday, April 16
I went to the playa wetland northeast of Linn again this morning and spent quite a bit of time there, but only added a couple new species since yesterday:
2 Northern Pintail
1 Gadwall
7 Ring-billed Gulls
The surface area of the standing water did shrink. I did have to tolerate some local traffic flying by on their way to get coffee at Mo’s, but one adjacent neighbor stopped and I started listing off all the shorebirds for him and he was astonished, thinking there were just “birds” out there haha. This is a small enough town, I did know everyone who went by, and I’m sure they knew what I was doing there.
There was a notable decrease in white-faced ibis (only 2 found) and Pectoral Sandpipers (only saw 1). But both Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits were still present in huge numbers, which is unusual in this area. I’ve never seen so many. Also got good looks at American Golden Plovers on the ground rather than flying off while calling overhead.
I’ll be heading out there again late morning.
I did want to note my frustration with Merlin. I’m a big believer in learning to ear bird as a skill for birders. I’ve gotten pretty decent at it for birds that are generally around. But I have enjoyed using Merlin as more of an alert device, where I allow it to listen and then if it picks up something interesting, I’ll try to find it. I also like to spend time “fact-checking” its results, and this is where I’ve gotten really frustrated. The last couple days, I’ve almost had an experience where it is seemingly speculating what “should” be present rather than what is absolutely present. I should’ve kept the list, but it was dropping some identifications that I absolutely knew were not present. Like, they would have absolutely been present in different habitat a half mile away, but unless it has super hearing, there is no way it was correct.
This speculative nature is something I’ve experienced with AI when I’ve had “discussions” with ChatGPT. I don’t know. I like Merlin as a potential tool, but I think it has a long ways to go and I’m sad that new birders probably use it as a crutch rather than a tool. I’m very thankful I came into this hobby in an era where I had to rely on the little arrows on the Peterson field guide pages!
-Dan
Dan Thalmann
• Owner – Washington County News, Washington, Kansas www.backroadsnews.com
785-747-6980 (cell, feel free to text me)
<editor...>
“Faith, Family, & the Freedom to keep it that way."
Date: 4/15/26 7:19 pm From: Dan Thalmann <editor...> Subject: Linn wetlands update - Washington County
I went back to the seasonal wetland northeast of Linn this evening to work on identifying more birds. Present were:
American Golden Plovers (several flocks lifted up out of wetland adjacent fields and flew north)
Hudsonian Godwit (many)
Marbled Godwit (large flock)
Long-billed Dowitcher (several small flocks)
Lesser Yellowlegs (many)
Greater Yellowlegs
Solitary sandpiper (1)
Wilson’s Phalarope (many)
White-faced Ibis (many)
Least Sandpiper
Franklin’s Gull (many)
2 larger gulls that soared around that were two far away to identify
3 white egrets too far
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Conditions are just perfect for large shorebirds. For 25 years, I’ve been driving past this particular field which floods most springs, but the torrential rainfall over the weekend has made it ideal and the number and variety of shorebirds is unprecedented.
I’m heading back in the early morning.
-Dan
Sent from my iPhone
-Dan Thalmann
Owner/Publisher, Washington County News
Owner, Backroads News& Media
Date: 4/15/26 1:56 pm From: Dan office mac 2025 <editor...> Subject: Shorebirds at Linn wetlands, Washington County
I don’t own a spotting scope, so my list isn’t as detailed as I wish it could be. But there are more shorebirds at the seasonal wetlands northeast of the City of Linn, Washington County, than I’ve possibly ever seen there before. The standing water area is huge, and since it is a cultivated field, the mud flat edges are optimal for shorebirds.
White-faced Ibis
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Wilson’s Phalarope
Willet
Godwit (honestly forgot about them, so didn’t get an ID between Hudsonian and Marbled)
Dowitcher
Pectoral Sandpiper
Semi-palmated Sandpiper
Merlin picked up an American Avocet, but I didn’t see one, though there were 17 present this weekend.
The Linn Lagoons had limited species and nothing notable.
The Washington County State Lake had 17 American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, 2 Wood Ducks and I heard some Canada Geese, but the lake is so full there were no mud edges or anything for shorebirds and I couldn’t access a sparrow area cuz of flooding.
Some day I’ll invest in a spotting scope!
-Dan
Dan Thalmann
• Owner – Washington County News, Washington, Kansas www.backroadsnews.com
785-747-6980 (cell, feel free to text me)
<editor...>
“Faith, Family, & the Freedom to keep it that way."
Date: 4/15/26 4:50 am From: Chuck Otte <00001b0b31b1d152-dmarc-request...> Subject: Milford Lake Bird Walk this Saturday
The monthly Milford Lake Bird Walk will be this Saturday, April 18 starting at 8:00 a.m. Walks meet in the parking lot on the south end of the Milford Lake Dam (across the road from the Corps of Engineers Milford Lake Project Office, 5203 North K-57 Junction City). After the week's warm weather it's looking to be a chilly morning so dress accordingly! Walks usually last 2 to 3 hours, birds and weather dependent. This month's walk will be focusing on northbound migrants and we'll head to Walla Walla Road to get out of the wind!
Date: 4/13/26 7:14 pm From: Dan office mac 2025 <editor...> Subject: BB Whistling Duck in City of Linn, Washington County
I saw a couple photos and tracked down information on a Black-bellied Whistling Duck in the City of Linn in Washington County. This would be a county record.
It was spotted and photographed at 4:33 p.m. today as it stood in a driveway and walked into a yard.
The photographer, Marcia Richardson of Linn, took a couple pictures of the duck in her neighbor’s yard. She said it looked like a statue at first, but then she saw its head move. She approached it to take pictures and it walked a bit. A car went by and flushed it and she didn't see it again.
I didn’t hear about it until a couple hours later when I was on my way to a meeting. On my way home, I stopped by the Linn Lagoons and drove around Linn, but saw nothing of interest.
I’ll submit info to Chuck for the county record.
-Dan
Dan Thalmann
• Owner – Washington County News, Washington, Kansas www.backroadsnews.com
785-747-6980 (cell, feel free to text me)
<editor...>
“Faith, Family, & the Freedom to keep it that way."
Date: 4/11/26 6:09 pm From: Chris H <chobbs.f1...> Subject: Re: Linn area water birds after 8" of rain in Washington County
The playa / sewage pond combo should yield some county records! Enjoy!!
Chris Hobbs
Lenexa
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> ________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Dan office mac 2025 <editor...>
Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2026 2:38:41 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Linn area water birds after 8" of rain in Washington County
Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026
Much of Washington County received over 8 of rain the last two days and we're having significant flooding this morning. Some of the flooding will go down Mill Creek on its way to the Little Blue and Tuttle. Some will go down Peats Creek to the Republican to Milford.
There is a playa wetland northeast of Linn that hasnt had water in it the last couple years, but filled up well this year, and it is a mile from the Linn city lagoons, just north of Linn, which are always good for waterfowl and shorebirds during migration.
Linn seasonal wetlands
17 American Avocet
10 White-faced Ibis
Northern Shoveler
Blue-winged Teal
Unidentified shorebirds beyond the view of my binoculars (I dont own a spotting scope), but I believe there were dowitchers out there among them based on feeding style.
Got home in Palmer and a Swainsons Hawk flew over my yard.
Date: 4/11/26 12:39 pm From: Dan office mac 2025 <editor...> Subject: Linn area water birds after 8" of rain in Washington County
Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026
Much of Washington County received over 8” of rain the last two days and we're having significant flooding this morning. Some of the flooding will go down Mill Creek on its way to the Little Blue and Tuttle. Some will go down Peats Creek to the Republican to Milford.
There is a playa wetland northeast of Linn that hasn’t had water in it the last couple years, but filled up well this year, and it is a mile from the Linn city lagoons, just north of Linn, which are always good for waterfowl and shorebirds during migration.
Linn seasonal wetlands
17 American Avocet
10 White-faced Ibis
Northern Shoveler
Blue-winged Teal
Unidentified shorebirds beyond the view of my binoculars (I don’t own a spotting scope), but I believe there were dowitchers out there among them based on feeding style.
Got home in Palmer and a Swainson’s Hawk flew over my yard.
-Dan
Dan Thalmann
• Owner – Washington County News, Washington, Kansas www.backroadsnews.com
785-747-6980 (cell, feel free to text me)
<editor...>
“Faith, Family, & the Freedom to keep it that way."
I took advantage of a cold, dreary, misty Friday to get the current round of county check-list updates posted to the web. It's been a pretty light go since the last updates from last October. Not sure what that means for the coming seasons, but anyway. All the county check-lists that had updates are now posted and all the associated pages, maps, tables, etc. are updated as well. The main index page is found at:
Following is a list of the counties that had updates, the number currently on each county's check-list and then a list of the updates for each county. Any species name marked with an asterisk (*) indicates a new confirmed breeding record (I believe that there are only two).
As always, if you have any questions, or problems accessing these pages please drop me a message! And now I'm ready for northbound migration to get cranked up!
Date: 4/8/26 7:27 am From: Malcolm Gold <malcolmgold...> Subject: BAS April 11th field trip cancelation
I need to cancel the previously schedule BAS fieldtrip to Marais des Cygnes this weekend. I offer my sincere apologies to anyone previously planning to attend.
