The state of Kansas has some of the best bird viewing locations in the country, especially during times of migration. Two of the best are described below.

Located near Great Bend, Kansas, Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Refuge offer amazing bird and wildlife viewing.   Of the 417 species of birds in Kansas, 320 have been spotted there.   These areas offer critical habitat for several endangered species and an important stopover point for many migrating birds including numerous shorebirds.   During migration there can be as many as 500,000 to 600,000 birds at each refuge.  More below.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge

Cheyenne Bottoms is a 41,000-acre elliptically-shaped basin-like lowlands seven miles northeast of Great Bend, Kansas.  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks operates 19,857 acres as a wildlife management area.  It is considered the largest marsh in the interior of the United States and has been designated a Wetland of International Importance.

This is the most important ecosystem in Kansas and the most important migration point for shorebirds in North America.  From 45% to 90% of various shorebird, geese and duck species stop at Cheyenne Bottoms.  Over 100 species nest in the area and 63 species are permanent residents.  Other permanent residents are a combination of eastern US and western US birds along with over 20 mammals and dozens of reptiles and amphibians.

Directions: North from Great Bend five miles on Hwy. 281, then east two miles on county blacktop to CB Headquarters. Follow signs.

The following information is taken from Cheyenne Bottom's website at  http://www.cheyennebottoms.net.   Please visit their website for more details.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities abound at Quivira NWR.  What you see depends largely on the time of year as well as the time of day you are here.  For optimum viewing, early morning or late afternoon are suggested.  Bobcats, coyotes, and other mammals are often seen lurking about during the heat of the afternoon.  At the extreme north end of the Refuge, a thriving prairie dog community can be found.

Quivira NWR has two large salt marshes, one located at the south end of the Refuge and the other at the far north end on the Wildlife drive.  Both are excellent places to look for birds such as mallards, wood ducks, pintails, white pelicans and more.  Fall is an excellent time to see large numbers of these birds.  If you are more interested in shorebirds and water birds, the spring and early summer are the best times to visit.  It is not uncommon to see large numbers of Great blue herons, American avocets, sandpipers, and snowy plovers, as well as the beautiful white-faced ibis, or the spinning phalaropes going round and round in circles stirring up the mud looking for a meal.

As you travel through the Refuge, keep your eyes open for white-tailed deer, beaver, raccoons, wild turkeys and other wildlife.  There are many parking areas throughout the Refuge which afford visitors a chance to stop and walk around the Refuge or take photographs.  No matter what time of year you choose to come, a sharp-eyed visitor will certainly see something worth remembering.

Directions: From Great Bend and points north, drive HWY 281 south to 70th Street and then head east 13 miles to Refuge Headquarters.

The following information is taken from Quivira's website at  http://www.quivira.fws.gov.   Please visit their website for more details.