One secret that birders in Kansas know that may not be apparent to the rest of the world, is that the Sunflower State is a birdwatching paradise. It's home to several areas of national and global significance, according to the International Audubon Society, and none may be more important than the Flint Hills Region of the state. That's why we think there's no better place than Chaplin Nature Center - which is located in southern Flint Hills and owned and operated by the Wichita Audubon Society - to settle down for an afternoon of hiking and birding in Kansas.

The Flint Hills stretch along eastern Kansas, southward to northern Oklahoma and is home to the largest remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie on the planet. This makes it a globally significant area for birds that nest in grasslands, including half a million shorebirds that visit the region each year. In fact, the Flint Hills region supports almost three-quarters of the world's population of buff-breasted sandpipers and more than 40 percent of all the American golden plovers on Earth. Further, iconic - and threatened - Great Plains species, like Henslow's sparrow and the greater prairie chicken nest in the Flint Hills. So, clearly we've got a lot going on here bird-wise.

And that's why Chaplin Nature Center is the place to be! Not only is it located in the Flint Hills region, it sits at the confluence of Spring Creek and the Arkansas River along the Central Flyway, one of the nation's chief corridors for migratory birds. More than 200 bird species have been identified in the area, so you'll have the opportunity to see literally dozens in one afternoon, including waterfowl, raptors, and colorful songbirds, like this dickcissel.

The nature center is even a seasonal stopover for several species migrating warblers, which bring their candy colors and festive songs to Chaplin in the springtime. Of course, Chaplin Nature Center isn't all about birds. You'll find all kinds of other critters - mammals, reptiles, and amphibians - as well as many species of grasses, trees, and other flora across its diverse prairies, forest, and riverine habitats.

Bring along your hiking shoes to enjoy the center's more than three miles of trails (unfortunately, no pets are allowed, so the pup will have to stay at home), which are free and open to the public during nature center hours. You'll find trail reviews and downloadable maps for Chaplin Nature Center's trails on All Trails Plus. Visit the Chaplin Nature Center page on the Wichita Audubon Society website for more details on hours and programs, and be sure to tell us about your favorite places for birding in Kansas at our nomination page.