Bird activity continues to increase.  Waterfowl are the dominant group at Cheyenne Bottoms right now, with increasing diversity.

Some large groups of Snow Geese are still being seen in the area.  Late afternoons, it is impressive to see large groups lift off the Pool 1 complex.  Quite a few Ross’s geese mixed in with the Snow’s too.  Greater white-fronted, Canada, and Cackling geese are also able to be seen regularly.

Duck numbers and diversity have really increased this week. Mallards and Pintails are probably the most abundant, but Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Redheads are plentiful and increasing too.

Gulls do not seem to be as plentiful as a couple weeks ago, but there are still gulls around.  Mostly Ring-billed Gulls.

The first groups of Sandhill Cranes have been observed in the last week over Cheyenne Bottoms.  I suspect to be seeing/hearing numerous birds this weekend.

Quite a few Great Blue Herons can be seen most days.  And raptors are still plentiful with Northern Harriers, and Red-tails typically seen every outing.  Bald eagles are not as common, but some still in the area.

Duck hunting season is now closed statewide, but goose hunting season remains open for all species through this weekend (Feb 12).

Water levels remain good area wide at Cheyenne Bottoms, and received a boost due to the nearly 2″ of rain/ice a few weeks ago. Pools 2, 3a, 4a, and 4b range from 15-20″ depth.  Water levels and waterfowl reports are updated weekly on the KDWPT website:  http://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Wildlife-Areas/Southwest/Cheyenne-Bottoms

Give us your reports.  We rely heavily on other birders to know what is being seen at Cheyenne Bottoms.  Submit reports to Ebird, or email your observations to wetlandscenter@fhsu.edu.

Here is a list birds that have been reported over the last couple weeks:

• Greater White-fronted Goose
  Snow Goose-Large flocks of several thousand seen flying or on the water in Pool 1
  Ross’s Goose-mixed in with Snows
  Canada Goose
  Cackling Goose
  Gadwall
  American wigeon
  Mallard
• Northern Shoveler
  Northern Pintail
  Canvasback
  Redhead
• White-winged Scoter
  Common Merganser
  Ring-necked Pheasant
  Mourning Dove
  American Coot–several 100 in Pool 4b on 2/9
• Sandhill Crane–several large groups flying over on 2/9
  Ring-billed Gull
  Herring Gull
  American White Pelican–small group has migrated in
  Great Blue Heron
  Bald Eagle
  Northern Harrier
  Sharp-shinned Hawk
  Red-tailed Hawk
  Great Horned Owl
  Downy Woodpecker
  Northern Flicker
  American Kestrel
  Horned Lark
• Marsh Wren
  Eastern Bluebird
• American Robin
  American Goldfinch
• Song Sparrow
  Harris’s Sparrow
  Dark-eyed Junco
  Meadowlark Sp.
  Red-winged Blackbird
  Great-tailed Grackle
  Brown-headed Cowbird