BIRD COUNTS AT ALLEGAWAHO PARK

What is a ‘bird count’?  Bird counts combine walking and bird watching with the added interest of keeping a record of avian species sighted along the way.  Wildlife and wildflowers encountered on along the birding path provide additional enjoyment for bird count walkers.  How do I participate in bird counts?  If any of these activities interests you, we encourage you to meet us at Allegawaho Park, south of Council Grove, for our Friends’ sponsored monthly bird counts. Bring friends, family, field guidebooks, binoculars, and cameras - novices and experienced bird watchers alike are welcome to join our bird counts.  All Friends’ bird counts are free and open the public.

Why hold bird counts at Allegawaho Park? The environs at Allegawaho Park provide a nearly perfect habitat for a diverse species of migrant and resident birds. Bird-loving walkers observe and record avian species sighted during each outing at the park.  Bird lists providing the count and avian species observed are published following each bird count.  Through this collection of data we hope to observe patterns in the types and numbers of birds found at the park throughout the year. 
Click here for:
Bird Count List 2006
Bird Count List 2007

When are bird counts scheduled?  For several years bird counts have been held at the park on a sporadic basis.  In 2006 six bird counts were held at the park.  As a result of increased interest in birding, the Friends of Kaw Heritage is sponsoring bird counts on a regular basis, on the fourth Saturday of each month, in 2007. Note: earlier in 2007, they were held on the first Tuesday of each month.

What happens at a bird count?  Interested parties will gather at the trailhead located at the southernmost edge of the park at 8:00 on the fourth Saturday of each month.  Walkers usually follow the Kanza Heritage Trail through the wooded western edge of the park concluding with the upland eastern portion of the park – a walk of approximately 2 miles.  Bird counts characteristically last about 2 hours; however, those who prefer a shorter walk are welcome to join or leave the group at any time they choose. 

How do I get to the park?  Transportation is provided for those who would like a ride to the park.  We depart from the Kaw Mission parking lot for the park at 7:45am.  Please call the Kaw Mission, 620-767-5410 prior to any of the bird counts to make arrangements for transportation or to get directions to the park.  Maps are available at the Kaw Mission.  The Friends of Kaw Heritage, Inc. and the Kaw Mission State Historic Site sponsor the monthly bird counts. And, remember, all bird counts are free and open the public.

For additional information, contact the Kaw Mission State Historic Site.
Phone:  620-767-5410
e-mail - kawmission@kshs.org. 

The Kansas State Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs.  The society requests prior notification to accommodate individuals with special needs or disabilities.