Up To Date

The State Bird Of Kansas Is Disappearing, Along With Species From Across The Country

By Steve Kraske,

Published September 23, 2020 at 5:02 PM CDT

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Bird watchers in Kansas have for years reported a steady decrease in bird populations

Birders and farmers have for years reported seeing fewer and fewer birds, but what's to blame for the decrease?

Climate change, wind turbines and outdoor cats all play a part. Longtime bird watcher Chuck Otte said Kansas' state bird, the western meadowlark, isn't migrating to new places — "they're just disappearing."

Chuck Otte, Geary County extension agent for K-State Research and Extension, and secretary of the Kansas Bird Records Committee

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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