It has been a while since we’ve posted an updated recent sightings post.  Unfortunately, the conditions of Cheyenne Bottoms have not changed and the wetlands are still totally dry. The drought has had a huge effect on bird activity this winter, and will probably continue to negatively impact birdwatching at Cheyenne Bottoms this Spring.  Without water in any areas of the wetlands, normal bird activity will not be seen.    

Typically at this time of year, geese and waterfowl begin to stage for the spring migration north.  February can see some of the largest numbers of geese and ducks at Cheyenne Bottoms.  250,000-500,000 individuals are not uncommon.  However, with the dry conditions, we do not expect to see anywhere near these numbers. 

Most wetland bird species are not present at Cheyenne Bottoms.  However, a few individuals may be seen flying over or using isolated wet areas in the area (community lakes, sandpits, rivers, lagoon ponds, etc.).  These birds include some geese, some ducks, and Great Blue Herons.  Sandhill cranes have stayed in Kansas all winter, and larger groups of them have been seen in the air and in fields south of Great Bend in the previous weeks.  These cranes are probably using Quivira NWR.  Other winter birds commonly being seen right now in the area include: blackbirds, Red-tailed hawks, Northern Harriers, woodpeckers, and a diversity of sparrows.

While in a little better shape than Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivira NWR is also quite dry.  Check out http://fws.gov/refuge/Quivira or call the Quivira NWR Headquarters at 620-410-4011 for updated conditions.

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:

• Snow Goose
• Canada Goose
• Mallard
• Northern Bobwhite
• Wild Turkey
• Ring-necked Pheasant
• Eurasian Collared-Dove
• Mourning Dove
• Sandhill Crane
• Great Blue Heron
• Northern Harrier
• Cooper’s Hawk
• Bald Eagle
• Red-tailed Hawk
• Rough-legged Hawk
• Great Horned Owl
• Short-eared Owl
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• Downy Woodpecker
• Northern Flicker
• American Kestrel
• Merlin
• Horned Lark
• European Starling
• American Robin
• House Sparrow
• American Goldfinch
• Lapland Longspur
• American Tree Sparrow
• Dark-eyed Junco
• White-crowned Sparrow
• Harris’s Sparrow
• Song Sparrow
• Meadowlark Sp.
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Brown-headed Cowbird
• Northern Cardinal