In this Newsletter

Bald Eagle officially the US National Bird

One of the hazards of telling non-bird watchers that you are a birder is that you will inevitably be told an eagle story. Everyone can appreciate the large raptor as it soars overhead, and everyone has a unique story about where they first saw one, an unusual place that they saw one, or a favorite place they go to see them.

We are lucky to be able to share in our national admiration of eagles - we almost lost them. In the 1950s, there were only around 400 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. The birds declined because of habitat loss and persecution - with many people believing the birds attacked newborn livestock and children. Additionally, the widespread use of the pesticide DDT resulted in the chemical becoming concentrated in raptors, which in turn caused the thinning of eggshells. When the parent tried to incubate the eggs, the eggshell cracked causing the death of the young inside it. Thanks to the banning of DDT and the restoration of wetland ecosystems, we are now able to enjoy Bald Eagles throughout the state with breeding records in 26 counties.

In the United States, Bald Eagles have been used as a national symbol for nearly 250 years, but it was never official until now. The law for the Bald Eagle as our National Bird went into effect on Dec 23, 2024. Other national symbols that preceded the Bald Eagle include our National Anthem (Star-Spangled Banner) in 1931, National Floral Emblem (rose) in 1986, National March (The Stars and Stripes Forever) in 1987, National Tree (oak) in 1987, and National Mammal (bison) in 2016.

I have my own eagle story to share. As I was writing this, I saw an eagle from my home office. I can see a small portion of Lake Sherwood in Topeka between my neighbor's houses. A good portion of the lake was frozen, and I thought I saw one eagle sitting on the ice. When I looked through binoculars, I spotted two more behind that eagle and another flew through my field of view. Seeing eagles gives me hope that AOK and other conservation organizations can make species that are rare today more abundant in the future.

Photo by David Rintoul.

Experience the dance!

Reservations are now being accepted for opportunities to view Sharp-tailed Grouse at AOK's Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Tours occur from mid-March through early May. You will get amazing views as the males strut their stuff to attract a female. The males' synchronized dancing is a spectacle unique to this grouse species. You will view the birds from a blind where males may approach as close as 20 feet! We provide the blind, a chair, and a guide so you don't get lost in the dark! Lodging available for an additional fee.

All proceeds support Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary.

Click the link below for more information.

AOK Events - Save the date!

The following events are being planned:

Feb 16, 2pm - "Home on the Range: Breeding Biology of Prairie-Chickens"

KU Field Station, Armitage Education Center, 350 Wild Horse Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66044

Rescheduled from Jan 19. See registration and description below.

AOK Executive Director Jackie Augustine will present during the Speaker Series at Rowe Sanctuary, 44450 Elm Island Rd, Gibbon, NE 68840. This series coincides with the spectacular migration of Sandhill Cranes as they stopover on the Platte River. More information about the phenomenon can be found here.

Mar 14, 3pm - "Water Wars for Wild Wetlands"

Click here for more information and to register.

Mar 15, 3pm - "Home on the Range: Breeding Biology of Prairie-Chickens" Click here for more information and to register.

Mar 20, 5:30pm - "Marvelous Migration" public presentation

Professor's, 521 E 11th St, Hays, KS 67601

AOK Executive Director Jackie Augustine will present during the meeting of Sunflower, a Chapter of National Audubon. Over 350 species of birds migrate from North America to Central and South America and back every year. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Audubon of Kansas Executive Director, will describe the challenges of this arduous journey and how you can help migrating birds in Kansas.

April 10-13 - Fourth annual Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival 

Hays, KS

The festival offers opportunities to see both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens, guided trips to Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira, prairie-chicken management and geology tours, behind-the-scenes tours of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and social events.

Slots fill quickly! Register today!

May 3 - Big Kansas Road Trip

Elkhart, KS

Once again, AOK will be leading tours in conjunction with the Big Kansas Road Trip on Saturday, May 3. Events are still being planned, so stay tuned for more information.

May 14, 1-4pm - Work Day at Achterberg

Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm (950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS; 38.994143, -98.188743)

We are having a work day at AOK's sanctuary, the Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm, on Sunday, May 7 from 1-4pm. With the help of volunteers, we will be doing maintenance on 1 mile of trail, and removing invasive elms that are taking over our prairie habitat buffers. If you want something that's a little easier, you could pull garlic mustard (an invasive herb) or use iNaturalist to document the plants and animals using the area. We should have enough equipment for everyone, but workers may want to bring work gloves, pruners, loppers, chainsaws and string trimmers if they have them. Meet at the trailhead 0.5 miles north of the intersection of 170th Rd and Iron Dr., just south of the bridge.

Contact Jackie via email or phone 785-537-4385 with questions. This is a great opportunity to help wildlife and see the wonderful riparian woods and prairie buffer strips which support Connie Achterberg's favorite bird, Northern Bobwhite quail.

May 31 - Celebration of a New AOK Protected Area

AOK will be receiving a new addition to our Protected Areas program in the coming months. This wonderful property south of Topeka has diverse grasslands, old growth riparian areas, and abounds with birds and other wildlife. We can't wait to showcase the wonderful habitat management and wildlife this property supports. More details will be forthcoming as details are finalized.

June 1, 1pm - Birding by Ear Walk

Alcove Spring, Marysville, KS (39.749865, -96.679093)

Just like you can tell who is talking by the sound of their voice, you can learn how to identify bird species by their song. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Audubon of Kansas Executive Director, is a bird watcher and ornithologist. In this leisurely walk, she will discuss the purpose of bird songs and how to identify common birds. Be prepared to spend time outside and bring binoculars if you have them. Although we will focus on bird songs, seeing the bird can help you remember their song. 

July 5, 4:30pm and 8:30pm - Bug Watching

Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm (950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS; 38.994143, -98.188743)

Did you know that 80% of the animals on Earth are insects? Find out more about this overlooked group from insect experts Eric and Heidi Eaton. Eric is an entomologist and author of Insectpedia (2022), Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect (2021), lead author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America (2007), and co-author of the second edition of Insects Did It First (2018) with Gregory S. Paulson. Together, Eric and Heidi have recorded 24,000 observations of 6000 species on iNaturalist.com. Bring water, snacks, and be prepared to spend time outside (possible exposure to direct sun, biting insects and poison ivy).

This event is 4-5:30pm on Saturday, July 5, at the Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm (950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS; 38.994143, -98.188743). We will reconvene at 8:30pm for 'black-lighting'. Eric and Heidi will put up black lights to attract seldom-seen insects of the night. Visitors are welcome to come and go during both events.

Aug 16, 1-4pm - Work Day at Achterberg

Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm (950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS; 38.994143, -98.188743)

See the description above.

Oct 5, 1-4:30pm - Hutton Open House

Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassett, NE

AOK manages a 5000-acre ranch and wildlife sanctuary located along the Niobrara National Scenic River near Bassett, Nebraska. The property is generally not open to the public, but it will be open for a FREE guided tour on Sunday, Oct 5.

The Sanctuary consists of spectacular scenery, including upland prairies, steep canyons, woodlands, and high bluffs that overlook meadows, marshes, and

riparian forest along the Niobrara River, which forms the sanctuary’s northern boundary. Many species call the sanctuary home including greater prairie-chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, bobcat, porcupine, box turtles and countless native insects, wildflowers, and grasses.

Schedule

1-2pm gather at the Hutton House and tour the museum which includes Harold's books and Native American artifact collection and Lucille's paintings

2pm carpool tour of the property

4-4:30pm return to the Hutton House

Nov 7-8 - Celebration of Cranes

AOK's Celebration of Cranes festival offers the best chance for nature lovers to see the spectacular Sandhill Crane migration with a good possibility of seeing the endangered Whooping Crane in Kansas. There are only about 850 Whooping Cranes left in the world - and you could be one of a few that get to see them in the wild. More information can be found HERE when it is available.

When: Rescheduled for Feb 16 at 2 PM

Where: KU Field Station, Armitage Education Center, 350 Wild Horse Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66044

January Topic: Home on the Range: Breeding Biology of Prairie-Chickens

Kansas is home to both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens, two iconic and increasingly rare species whose presence indicates a healthy prairie ecosystem. Known for their spectacular mating displays and unique booming calls, these charismatic birds face mounting challenges as their habitats shrink. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Audubon of Kansas Executive Director, will share her experiences of studying prairie-chickens for over 20 years, including their fascinating breeding biology, their role in grassland ecosystems, and the complex challenges she and others face in conserving these declining populations. Join us to learn about the story of these special birds and the people working to conserve them!

What to bring: A mug for tea/coffee to help us reduce waste.

Please RSVP to Wendy (wendyholman@ku.edu) as space is limited. It also helps us plan for seating and snacks!

Science Sundays talks cover a variety of science topics, including research happening at the KU Field Station. Talks are free and open to everyone but may not be of interest to younger audiences. You don’t have to be a scientist to attend—just curious about the natural world!

AOK Nature Spot Recommendations

Webster State Park and Reservoir are great spots to see migrating and wintering waterbirds.

1140 10 Rd

Stockton, KS 67669

39.416871, -99.427309

Located about 8 miles west of Stockton south of US-24, Webster State Park is an 880-acre prairie setting of rolling hills and spacious skies. AOK pre- and post-Kansas Lek Treks trips usually stop here to see Franklin's Gulls. Although this species can be seen migrating in large flocks throughout much of the state, visitors from the east and west coasts have likely never seen this species. They winter on the west coast of South America where they feed on fish and crabs like typical gulls. In the prairies, their diet switches to invertebrates including earthworms, grasshoppers, and dragonflies. Franklin's Gulls are also unique in that they have a slight pinkish hue to their breast and belly when they are breeding. At Webster State Park, there are roads to go down to the water at the base of both the north and south ends of the dam to look for Franklin's Gulls and other waterbirds.

The Webster State Park website provides the following information:

Visitors often see deer, turkeys, quail, pheasants, and many wildflowers. The 3,700 acres of open water offer great fishing in Webster Reservoir. The reservoir complements the picturesque Chalk Hills. The area's mixed grass prairie, river, lake, marshes, and riparian trees and shrubs teem with wildlife. Located in the central flyway, the lake is a stopping place for many species of waterfowl and shorebirds and offers excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts for hunting, wildlife watching and photography. The lake is known for its quality walleye, crappie, white bass, and channel catfish.

Photo by JK Augustine of American White Pelican (foreground) and Franklin's Gulls (background) at Webster State Park.