birds

Purple martins are back in Kansas. Thousands of the birds are gathering near the Wichita airport each evening as they prepare for their annual migration. Plus: A small town in southcentral Kansas proudly bears the nickname “Midway USA,” positioning itself firmly between California and New York.

As part of their annual migration to South America, purple martins from across the region are putting on a nightly show just north of the Wichita airport control tower, gathering to roost in a cluster of trees. And their chatter can be heard pretty clearly, too.

Photographers are swarming to the Kauffman Foundation pond for a chance to see a brown booby — a tropical seabird usually found in the Caribbean. Some Kansas City birders speculated that it followed the Curaçao team for their World Cup match this coming weekend.

New research out of Ohio State University found the rate of bird decline was quicker in areas with more intense agricultural practices.

The lesser prairie chicken, known for its flamboyant courtship dances and bulging neck pouches, has lost a majority of its population in the grasslands and brush of southwestern Kansas. But Republican lawmakers have long fought against its habitat protections.

Dr. Wenjun Ma will use the money to work alongside Dr. Wesley Warren and Dr. John Driver to better understand how a chicken's pulmonary network rewires itself after an HPAI infection.

A nesting pair of eagles made Blue Springs its home — and they're expecting! Viewers can watch their journey from home through a live feed.

More people participating in the citizen science project Globe At Night could help fill gaps in what astronomers know about the extent of skyglow.

Artificial intelligence could help scientists and state conservationists count waterfowl more quickly and accurately, according to a new study.

Virtual fencing uses GPS collars, sounds and electrical cues to move cattle across a landscape. Along with saving ranchers time, researchers say this new technology can help protect, and create, wildlife habitat.

Johnson County Community College is one example of a local institution where employees are taking steps to prevent birds from flying into windows

With a prime location on North America's migratory paths and a variety of welcoming natural spaces, the Kansas City area is full of great places for birding. Get your binoculars and head to these local and state parks, wildlife refuges and nature centers.