Whether you’re a “wake up to the sound of birds” type, or a “please be quiet I’m trying to sleep” type, we’re at that part of the year where there’s a soundtrack to our Kansas City mornings.

Here’s the pitch: imagine getting out of bed in the morning, sitting out on the patio, or going for a hike. Instead of just a bunch of random noise, you hear the songs of a kingbird or chickadee. You could even learn their colors, habits, and favorite foods. The upshot: You should really get into birdwatching.

You could wing it, or…

A little bit of preparation goes a long way. However, you don’t need to drop your tax return on binos (although it couldn’t hurt to look).

What might help:

A field guide. Instead of trying to name them all on your own, pull up a local guide like this comprehensive list from KC Birding Walks, a physical guide like “A Guide To Bird Finding In Kansas and Western Missouri,” or an app like Merlin. If you bring your favorite local newsletter, too, we wouldn’t hate it.
Bird food. A backyard or window feeder brings the birds to you. Try Backyard Bird Center in the Northland (which also has a good bird guide), or Wild Birds Unlimited in Shawnee (complete with a bird hobby guide).
Your new best birdie. Local experts + hobbyists will love to show you the ropes. Link up with The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the National Audubon Society or look into this birdwatching Facebook group so you don’t fly solo.

Meet the stars of the show

American goldfinch |📍 Open areas, scattered trees | 🗓️ Year-round (but changes color in winter) | Song
American robin |📍 Woods, residential areas | 🗓️ Year-round | Song
Bald eagle |📍 Lakes, rivers, wetlands | 🗓️ Mostly fall-spring | Song
Barred owl |📍 Woods | 🗓️ Year-round | Song
Black-capped chickadee |📍 Woods, feeders, residential areas | 🗓️ Year-round | Song
Common nighthawk |📍 Fields, towns (mid-flight at dawn + dusk) | 🗓️ Spring-fall | Song
Eastern kingbird |📍 Open fields + woodland edges | 🗓️ Spring-fall | Song
Great blue heron | 📍Lakes, ponds, streams | 🗓️ Year-round | Song
Mourning dove |📍 Open + urban areas | 🗓️ Year-round | Song
Northern shoveler |📍 Lakes, ponds, wetlands | 🗓️ Spring, fall, sometimes winter | Song
Red-headed woodpecker |📍 Woods | 🗓️ Summer, sometimes winter | Song
Red-winged blackbird |📍 Wetlands, near streams, some pastures | 🗓️ Year-round | Song
Summer tanager |📍 Woods | 🗓️ Spring-fall | Song