(KAIR)--Atchison's lakes and ponds are getting visitors this time of year.

“Warnock Lake is a stop on the way of the spring migration,” said Assistant Public Works Director Clinton McNemee. “Each group of birds that we see, probably stay a few days, up to a week.”

He says the various groups of birds and ducks most likely choose Warnock randomly, but the lake does offer a few advantages to the birds.

“A lot of these birds prefer lakes that are groomed around the edges so they can come and go on the land,” McNemee said. “We do have those islands that might offer some attraction to them.”

A group of bird-watchers from Topeka made the trip to Atchison Saturday to catch a glimpse of the rare sightings.

“We have seen some great birds today,” said Carol Morgan with Topeka Audubon Society. “There are still numerous duck species here. We've seen ruddy ducks, blue winged Teal, lesser scaup and Canada geese—of course, and pied-billed grebe. Lots of good duck species here.”

McNemee encourages everyone to go out and see the rare groups of birds that won't be here forever.