Globe Prairie

 

Please note: Globe Prairie is private property, so please view birds from the road only.

 

The Globe Prairie was formerly home to the last Greater Prairie-chicken leks in Douglas County. Although the prairie-chickens have disappeared, the area still has some of the largest tracts of native grass near Lawrence, making it a good area for grassland specialists.

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General Habitat: Native pasture and agricultural

Main Species: Sparrows, Meadowlarks, Raptors

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Notable Species: Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel, Short-eared Owl, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Rough-legged Hawk

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Best Time to Go: Breeding grassland birds can be found throughout the summer but birders will need to brave the winter winds to find Short-eared Owls and Rough-legged Hawks. Spring and fall migrations are best for tricky sparrows like Clay-colored and Vesper.

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Directions: Travel south from Lawrence on U.S. 59 to the junction with U.S. 56. Travel west on U.S. 56 for 8.5 miles to the intersection with E 400 Road. The prairie-chicken lek was formerly approximately 0.5 miles north on E 400 Road, on the west side of the road. The entire area around the former town of Globe (U.S. 56 and E 550 Road) is a good area to look for open country birds.

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