Whether you’re a “wake up to the sound of birds” type, or a “please be quiet I’m trying to sleep” type, we’re at that part of the year where there’s a soundtrack to our Kansas City mornings.
Here’s the pitch: imagine getting out of bed in the morning, sitting out on the patio, or going for a hike. Instead of just a bunch of random noise, you hear the songs of a kingbird or chickadee. You could even learn their colors, habits, and favorite foods. The upshot: You should really get into birdwatching.
Hard to be blue when you see a heron at one of our many metro lakes. | Photo by @carmen_desloge
You could wing it, or…
A little bit of preparation goes a long way. However, you don’t need to drop your tax return on binos (although it couldn’t hurt to look).
Bird food. A backyard or window feeder brings the birds to you. Try Backyard Bird Center in the Northland (which also has a good bird guide), or Wild Birds Unlimited in Shawnee (complete with a bird hobby guide).
Your new best birdie. Local experts + hobbyists will love to show you the ropes. Link up with The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the National Audubon Society or look into this birdwatching Facebook group so you don’t fly solo.
If this were Game of Nests, this kingbird would rule in the east. | Photo by @carmen_desloge
Meet the stars of the show
American goldfinch |📍 Open areas, scattered trees | 🗓️ Year-round (but changes color in winter) | Song
American robin |📍 Woods, residential areas | 🗓️ Year-round | Song
Bald eagle |📍 Lakes, rivers, wetlands | 🗓️ Mostly fall-spring | Song
The Book of Kells | Fri., May 13-Sat., May 14 | 7 p.m. | Folly Theater | $25+ | Störling Dance Theater presents a 9th century Scottish-inspired work of art. 🏴
Oklahoma! | Fri., May 13-Sun., May 15 | 8 p.m. | Starlight Theater | $16+ | The Broadway hit and recipient of the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical comes to KC reimagined.
Saturday
Crystal Skies | Sat., May 14 | 10 p.m. | Uptown Theater, Encore Room | $15+ | An electronic band famous for their song “Foolish of Me.” 🎶
Heart to Heart International Day | Sat., May 14 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 11550 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, KS | Free | Volunteer for a one-hour slot to assemble hygiene kits for people affected by disasters and crises.
Sunday
Teo Gonzalez | Sun., May 15 | 7 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $57+ | A popular Mexican standup comedian. 🎤
Samantha Ege | Sun., May 15 | 5 p.m. | Folly Theater | Free | The concert will feature music from Black women composers, including KC’s own Nora Holt.
Monday
Royals vs. Sox | Mon., May 16 | 7:10 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $9+ | The first 10,000 fans will receive a Parade of Hearts flag featuring artwork from kids in the KC metro. 💙
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
OLIPOP’s Best Sellers pack includes Strawberry Vanilla, Classic Root Beer + other fan-favorites. | Photo provided by OLIPOP
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85º | Scattered thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain
Civic
Kansas City Council approved ~$40 million in street resurfacing contracts. Workers are finishing the previously allotted 300 lane miles and will move to another 300 in the coming weeks. That’s three times the amount of resurfacing from two years ago. You can report bad streets with myKCMO.
Outdoor
Super flower blood moon. No, that’s not an 80s rock band. We’re talking about the lunar eclipse on Sun., May 15. Break it down.Super: the moon will appear bigger. Flower: the name for a May full moon. Blood: turning red. Bonus: check out this free telescope viewing. 🌕 (Kansas City Star)
Development
The Rock Island Bridge redevelopment project is taking shape — half of the funding is secured, according to Flying Truss CEO Mike Zeller. The plan would turn the abandoned railroad bridge into a food + rec venue. Zeller has the support of the Unified Government + the Helzberg Foundation, to name a couple. (CityScene KC)
Tech
Hack Midwest is coming back to Kansas City after a four-year hiatus. The coding competition will pit 300 software engineers against each other as they build an app in 24 hours. The showdown will go down in Lightwell downtown, Sat., July 23-Sun., July 24. Register here. 💻
Sports
Are you ready for some football (schedules)? The NFL released the 2022 regular season schedule Thursday night. For a complete look at who the Chiefs will be playing and where, head to the team’s website.
“We want the World Cup.” That phrase — aimed at FIFA and proudly emblazoned in the Crossroads — is taking on a new meaning: rugby. The men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup is coming to the US in 2031 + 2033, and Kansas City is among 25 city candidates. 🏉 (FOX4)
Kansas City native Wheaton Jackoboice is going pro — in lacrosse. The midfielder went to high school out of state in the Culver Military Academy + went on to play for Notre Dame. Jackoboice will play for the Maryland Whipsnakes, part of the Premier Lacrosse League. 🐍 (FOX4)
State
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill that legalizes sports betting. She said it will help bring more revenue to the state. The bill will tax each bet by 10% — possibly raising $10 million per year by 2025. The law goes into effect July 1. (KCUR)
DYK
Did you know we are on Instagram? If you follow us, you won’t miss out on blooper reels, like this one where we try to learn roller derby. Here’s how that story turned out. 🛼
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Technically,The Wizard of Oz is in Missouri from Fri., May 13-Sun., May 22. The Kansas City Ballet gave us a preview of some of the visual effects, and we are in aw(z). Those flying monkey puppets have us closing our eyes and clicking our heels. Tickets start at $43.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: Growing up, my family would playfully challenge each other to find the first spring robin. I always thought that robins left in the winter and returned in the spring — but that’s wrong. I was surprised to see they stay in this area year-round. After some digging (read: Googling), I found out that robins become less territorial + more nomadic in the winter, but they stay north as long as there is food. They become more territorial in the spring, which means they stay in one area and are easier to spot.
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