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At first glance, Kentucky appears to merely be a state which hosts some great birds which can be seen elsewhere in the company of more exotic species. Kentucky natives know better; as a Mississippi flyway state in the mid south, our state offers a highly varied list of species from all four compass points. Where else can one find Swainson's Warblers, Snowy Owls, Prothonotary Warblers, Dicksissels, Bell's Vireos, Ravens, Thayer's Gulls, and Greater White-fronted Geese, all within a calendar year. Add the occasional Red-necked grebe, nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and a sporadic Evening Grosbeak invasion, and you begin to see why we don't mind birding close to home. Every location has its rarities, but ours can (and do) come from anywhere. The species total for the state is currently approaching 350. Most of Kentucky is very rural, with the Appalachian Mountains in the east; mixed farmland and hardwood forest throughout the central region; and open farmland giving way to river bottoms in the west. Like much of rural America, it is strikingly beautiful. Its residents are generally friendly and hospitable. A complete list of birding locations can be found at the Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS) web site, given below. A birder with some time to spend in the state will want to hit four main regions set out in the Top Sites below. Anyone interested in birding in Kentucky should check the links listed below, especially those for KOS, Birding Pal, and the BirdKY listserve. The latter is a good source of current birding news in the state. |
Central Region
The central regions of the state are rich in rural birding habitats. This is the area with the least number of local specialties, but many good species turn here. Spring and fall migrations can be especially fruitful. Check state and national parks. Wintering raptors such as bald eagles and peregrine falcons are regular.Eastern Mountains and Cumberland Plateau
The eastern mountains and Cumberland Plateau host species found nowhere else in the state. The elevation of this region makes it suitable for many breeding passerines typically found in more northern locations. Specialties of the region include many breeding warblers, ruffed grouse, veery, ravens, and regular saw-whet owls in winter.Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati draws the best concentrations of winter residents, such as snow buntings, snowy owls (rare but regular); all three species of scoters on the Ohio River, and rough-legged hawks.Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky includes two man-made lakes, as well as the Mississipi flyway. This region, like the Cumberland plateau, is essential birding. For a state poor in wetlands and open water, these regions provide the majority of waders and waterfowl. Migration periods and winter birding can be excellent, with wintering white pelicans, gulls, and raptors. Breeding Mississippi kites, scissor-tailed flycatchers, black-necked stilts, and least terns make spring and summer trips fruitful.Steve Kistler
(Munfordville, Kentucky)
kistlers@scrtc.com
Number of bird species: 352
The Birds of Kentucky
Burt L. Monroe Jr., William Zimmerman Hardcover (October 1994) Indiana University PressISBN: 0253338921
Buy this book from NHBS.com
State Bird
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
Audubon Society in Kentucky
WebsiteUsual list of local chapters
Beckham Bird Club
WebsiteThe Beckham Bird Club, Inc. (BBC); in existence for more than sixty years, is a non-profit organization of men, women, and children who are interested in birds, ecology, and nature. It is named for Charles Wickliffe Beckham, the first native Kentuckian to achieve a national reputation as an ornithologist, and was founded in 1935 in Louisville, Kentucky, as the Louisville Chapter of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. Beckham Bird Club members are people who like birds, enjoy watching them, and want to keep in touch with others who also enjoy the sport.
Buckley Hills Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Buckley Hills Audubon Society is a member of the National Audubon Society and the Kentucky Audubon Council, and serves 10 Central Kentucky counties in the promotion of conservation education and awareness...
Cumberland Chapter Sierra Club
WebsiteAbout the Cumberland Chapter… The Cumberland Chapter, founded in 1968, encompasses the Commonwealth of Kentucky and since its founding has grown to more than 3000 members. To return to the National Sierra Club Home Page from any page in the Kentucky Chapter site, click the Sierra Club logo in the upper left-hand corner of the page.
Daviess County Audubon Society
WebsiteToday Daviess County Audubon Society consists of ~100 members: 30 members are active in the organization and the rest are considered subscribers who are interested in the Audubon mission....
Eastern Kentucky Bird Club
Eastern Kentucky Bird Club Mission Statement: To provide a forum for Eastern Kentucky bird enthusiasts to become acquainted with one another, and to share information and experience. To promote birding and bird conservation in the Eastern Kentucky area. To organize birding events and educational programs and to provide information on birding opportunities in Eastern Kentucky for anyone interested in birds or birding in the region.
Frankfort Audubon Society
WebsiteServing the communities of Franklin & Owen Counties.
Henderson Audubon Society
Information732 S Adams St, Henderson, KY 42420, 502-826-4793 - Marsha Sheckels, President
Jackson Purchase Audubon Society
Information726 Bellevue Dr, Paducah, KY 42001, 618-564-3367 - Kristi Hanson, President
Kentucky Bird Records Committee
The Kentucky Bird Records Committee serves to help determine the validity of records of rare birds in Kentucky, maintain the documentation for these records, and publish summaries of the committee's deliberations...
Kentucky Bluebird Society
WebsiteThe Kentucky Bluebird Society was organized to foster the return and perpetuation of the Eastern Bluebird and other native cavity nesting birds in Kentucky. To this end, the Kentucky Bluebird Society (KBS) will strive for the best methods to use, conserve and create habitat for the protection of these species...
Kentucky Ornithological Society
WebsiteMembers of the Kentucky Ornithological Society enjoy birds! We seek to create and increase interest in birds in Kentucky, and support the conservation of birds and their habitats. We also promote avian research. Anyone interested in birds may join our Society! We encourage you to check out our web site to learn more about us and, of course, more about the birds of Kentucky...
Little River Audubon Society
InformationPO Box 352, Hopkinsville, KY 42240 - To promote the enjoyment and protection of birds and wildlife and their habitat through education, advocacy, and field trips...
Louisville Audubon Society
WebsiteTo conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity...
Nature Conservancy in Kentucky
InformationThe Mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive...
Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky
WebsiteThese birds have been injured to an extent that they have a permanent condition which prevents them from being able to survive in the wild on their own...
Ohio Valley Birding Festival
http://www.ohiovalleybirdingfestival.orgEnjoy five full days of hikes, programs, and family activities, designed to appeal to all ages and all levels of bird enthusiasts...
John James Audubon State Park Museum
http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/recparks/au/Along the banks of the Ohio River just north of Henderson, KY, John James Audubon State Park houses the world's largest collection of Audubon artifacts and offers exhibits on the artist's life. The museum interprets Audubon’s life through his art and personal memorabilia, framed within a timeline of world events....
Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve
InformationSatellite View
One of the great treasures of the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve is the presence of over 150 different species of birds. Some are residents, some are seasonal visitors, and some stop at the Preserve while migrating. The presence of the wooded area for food and shelter, along with a water source in this particular location makes the Preserve a very attractive stop for migratory birds. This situation is very advantageous for the area's avid birders who want to view a lot of different species birds, and quite a learning tool for the students and adults who are anxious to observe and study more unusual bird species.
Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
InformationSatellite View
Wildlife Sanctuary/Nature Center - 275 acres of mixed habitat, flora & Observation Center, Nature Center. Workshops, Environmental Education Activities.
Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge
WebsiteSatellite View
The Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge is a 500-acre preserve, located 13 miles from Danville in the Parksville knob land and bordering a stretch of the beautiful North Rolling Fork...
Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary and Audubon Center
InformationSatellite View
Daniel Boone National Forest
InformationSatellite View
The Daniel Boone National Forest offers birders wonderful opportunities to see most of the birds that nest or winter in Kentucky. Birders from all over the state visit the Daniel Boone National Forest every year to add new species to their life lists or just to enjoy seeing some of the less common birds, such as the cerulean warbler, in areas where they are plentiful. If you are planning to visit the Forest and are interested in finding some good bird watching spots, below are a few hot spots you may want to check out.
Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area
InformationSatellite View
Located 20 miles south of Henderson in Morganfield, KY. The 5,424-acre area provides various birdwatching opportunities. The 82-acre lake and shallow water impoundment areas hold a variety of waterfowl, wading and shorebirds during the fall and winter. The terrestrial habitat encompasses old field to mature hardwood forest and holds a large variety of songbirds throughout the year...
Kentucky State Parks
WebsiteKentucky is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and most interesting historical sites in the country. Our state park system includes 49 parks and one interstate park. Every state park in Kentucky has a web page right here on this site. To find a park you already know about, select it from this list and click go. You can also reach all the parks by clicking on the four sections of the map.
Sloughs Wildlife Management Area
InformationSatellite View
One of the National Audubon Society's Important Birding Areas, the Sloughs WMA contains nearly 10,000 acres of wetlands, home to nearly 10,000 geese and 10,000 ducks during the winter. A paradise for hunters, fishermen, campers, hikers and nature lovers...
This section sponsored by: 
2000 [May] - Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. - Big Day
ReportA poor passerine day resulted in a species total below expectations. A taped call of Eastern Screech-Owl was used to draw in passerines during the day and to solicit a reply before dawn.
2000 [October] - Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. - Big Day
ReportThis was the first conscious effort at an October Big Day for Kentucky and probably represents a relatively credible baseline. A taped call of Eastern Screech-Owl was used to draw in passerines during the day. No owls were sought before or after daylight.
This section sponsored by:
Birding Pal
InformationLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
First Farm Inn Kentucky B&B
AccommodationPaddle around the pond. Bring your pole and catch a bass. Watch the birds. Sample a garden-fresh herb...
Rabbit Creek B&B
AccommodationGlenda invites you to make some memories sitting in the gazebo listening to the birds or watching the deer traverse our land, sipping a cool glass of wine compliments of the house...
Photographer - Russ Thompson
GalleryPhotos of ruby-throated hummingbirds eating from handheld flowers, handheld feeders and eating straight from the palm of my hand…
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This site was last updated on Sunday, 29th January 2012.
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