Seasonal Birdwatching

With winter just around the corner, now is a great time to check out some of the perfect places for seasonal birdwatching in Clay!

Smithville Lake:

The lake is a great place to visit for a glimpse of some of the areas seasonal bird residents. Last year there were lots of birds to keep an eye out for! Common visitors to Smithville Lake include: bald eagle, American white pelicans, and snowy owls. With numerous trails for hiking and biking and scenic lakeside viewing points, Smithville Lake offers a unique birding experience.

Nature fans and birders alike should also add the Missouri Department of Conversation’s Eagle Days to their calendar. Smithville Lake’s Eagle Days is scheduled for January 5^th and 6^th at the Paradise Pointe Golf Course Clubhouse. Learn more here: https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Smithville-Lake/Smithville-Eagle-Days/

Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary:

The nature sanctuary is always a great place for birdwatching, and it’s no different during the winter months! There are several trails to choose from here, each of varying difficulty. Some of the seasonal residents you can keep an eye out for here include: bald eagles and a multitude of other birds. Click here for a full list of what you might be able to expect to see at the sanctuary: https://www.naturesanctuary.com/birds.html