Osborne County
County Seat: Osborne
County Size: 892 square miles
County Checklist: 230 species
DeLorme Pages 20, 21, 33 & 34
Google Maps of Osborne County
Best Birds: Magnificent Frigatebird, Golden-winged Warbler, Common Redpoll
Osborne County is located in north central Kansas. The main east-west highway is
highway 24, but K-18 crosses the southwest part of the county. Highway 281
crosses north to south through the county and highway 181 cuts across the NE
corner of the county. The South Fork of the Solomon River bisects the county
west to east. The North Fork of the Solomon River enters the county near Portis
and exits east of Downs. In addition, creeks provide narrow riparian corridors
throughout the county. Some of the best in terms of bird habitat and access are
Covert, Kill, Medicine, Paradise, and Crooked.
The county has a nice mix of tilled land and native grasslands. Enough native
grass remains to support a good population of Greater Prairie Chickens. During
lekking season, listening at any stop in the area between Osborne and Covert
could allow a birder to hear them calling.
Osborne County website http://www.discoverosborne.com
Birding Locations:
1. Glen Elder Wildlife Area - The upper end of the Glen Elder Wildlife
area extends into Osborne County. The majority is on the North Fork Solomon
River, but there is also a small area on the South Fork. Depending on the lake
level, this may include considerable amounts of water. All of this area flooded
during the high water of 1993, so very little mature timber remains. Most of the
Osborne County portion is located on the North Fork Solomon River from Downs
east to the county line. Bald Eagles have nested along the river between the two
Osborne County access roads. Birding opportunities may vary widely in these
areas. Since the area is managed for wildlife, there is generally plenty of
cover and food – particularly for wintering sparrows. Both roads may be closed
for certain seasons, but foot access is always open. Roads are impassible when
wet. The county line road goes about 1 mile south, then turns west to provide
access to the river. At the river, the eagle nest may be visible by looking
straight west. This overlook can also be very good for wading and shore birds.
If you enter by the west access point, the road turns west and parallels the
river for about ½ mile. There are several spots where the river or river bottom
habitat can be viewed from above. These same areas may be accessed by foot from
W 60th Dr. on the south side of the river. Some timber in this area survived the
1993 flood and could be good for migrating passerines. Directions: From Downs,
travel east on highway 24. Turn south on either of two access roads. The first
is approximately 1.5 miles east of Downs. It may show up as S 10th Avenue, CR
691, or Dispatch Road, depending on your source of information. The second is
the county line road which may be labeled as S 1st Avenue. To access the south
portion, travel south out of Downs 4 miles on highway 181. Turn east on W 90th
Drive and travel straight east until you see Wildlife Area signs on the south
side of the road. Access is on foot. DeLorme: 34, A1; 34, B1
2. Shooting Range - The shooting range is on public land and open for
public use. A small marshy area has produced some good birds. Directions: To
access the shooting range, drive south from Downs on highway 181. Turn east at
the sign. This is north of W 60th Dr. Delorme: 34, A1
3. Downs Sewer Ponds - These ponds are easily observable from the Downs
tree burn site. Waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds have all used these ponds.
Directions: To access the Downs sewer ponds, drive south from Downs on highway
181. Turn east on the first county road – W 60th Dr. (about one mile). The
entrance to the burn site is visible on the north side of the road about 3/8 of
a mile from the highway. Delorme: 34, A1
4. Farm Ponds - Osborne County has numerous farm ponds – all are on
private land. Some of the best are visible from highway 281 north and south of
Osborne. Directions: Follow Highway 281 north and south of Osborne. Most are
within three miles north or south of town. Others are listed as coordinates.
Coordinates: N 39° 28' 45.36", W 98° 37' 8.52”; N 39° 29', W 98° 43'; N 39° 22',
W 98° 31'; N 39° 13', W 98° 31'. DeLorme: 33, 9-10A-C
5. Solomon River - There is little public access to the river, but a
number of county roads cross the river and can provide access to bird from the
county right-of-way. Directions: DeLorme: 33, 9-10A-C
6. Osborne River Walk - This area was developed by the boy Scouts. It
provides foot access to nice riparian areas along the South fork Solomon River.
Directions: Follow Osborne Main Street to the west end. Continue on toward golf
course. Instead of turning left at the golf course, take the rock road to end.
From here, access paths along the river for about ¾ of a mile. Delorme: 33, B9
7. Covert Area - I call this area the Osborne County Wilderness. Do not
attempt to access this area unless it has been dry for quite a while and/or you
have 4WD. It is a fairly remote area with some timber and a fairly large area of
Eastern Red Cedars. After finding the coordinates given, continue on south. At
the T, turn east to find more thick timber. Directions: From Osborne drive 6
miles south on highway 281. Turn west on CR 404. After about 8 miles and
approximately four corners, turn left on 160th Avenue. This entire area is
sparsely populated and just fun to explore. Coordinates: N 39° 16’ W 98° 47'
DeLorme: 33, D9.
8. Alton Bluffs - From Alton, travel south across the river. When the
road T’s, turn east. Common Poorwill can be heard calling in this area.
Directions: Take the Alton exit from highway 24 and travel south through town.
DeLorme: 33, A7
9. Urban Areas - Population centers of Osborne County are Osborne, Downs,
Natoma, Portis, and Alton. All are small towns, but have mature trees, feeders,
and the potential for a good bird. Directions: From east to west on Highway 24:
Downs, Osborne, and Alton. Portis is on highway 281 in the NE part of the
county. Natoma is on highway K-18 in the SW portion of the county.
Updated November 2012