Lake birding habitat

Cheney Reservoir - Dam

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cheney Reservoir - Dam is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, and Glaucous Gull among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/31/2026Cheney SP--East Shore Area1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/28/2026Cheney SP--East Shore Area1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/23/2026Cheney SP--West Shore Area (Reno Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/26/2026

Northern Bobwhite

25/26/2026

Killdeer

25/26/2026

Franklin's Gull

15/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

55/26/2026

Bald Eagle

15/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/26/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/26/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/26/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/26/2026

Barn Swallow

15/26/2026

Cliff Swallow

405/26/2026

House Finch

15/26/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

25/26/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/26/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/26/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/26/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cheney Reservoir - Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Cheney Reservoir - Dam for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cheney Reservoir - Dam?
Notable species at Cheney Reservoir - Dam include Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Great Blue Heron, American White Pelican. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cheney Reservoir - Dam?
Birding at Cheney Reservoir - Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cheney Reservoir - Dam?
Cheney Reservoir - Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.