Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Kansas · Midwest

EasyOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

WetlandMarshGrassland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the United States and a critical stopover for shorebirds in the Central Flyway. Up to 45% of the continent's shorebird population passes through during migration, making it a wetland of hemispheric importance.

Location

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Notable Species

White-rumped Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Wilson's Phalarope Whooping Crane Snowy Plover Snow Goose Ross's Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Cackling Goose Canada Goose

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/16/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA--Inlet Canal1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

4/14/2026Wingsong Acres1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/14/2026Wingsong Acres1 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

4/10/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/4/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA--1C & 3A Dike Rd.

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

404/16/2026

Canada Goose

104/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/16/2026

Gadwall

154/16/2026

American Wigeon

24/16/2026

Mallard

64/16/2026

Northern Pintail

24/16/2026

Green-winged Teal

154/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

14/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

44/16/2026

Bufflehead

254/16/2026

Ruddy Duck

304/16/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/16/2026

Mourning Dove

24/16/2026

American Coot

1504/16/2026

Black-necked Stilt

64/16/2026

American Avocet

204/16/2026

Killdeer

54/16/2026

Birding Tips

1
Water levels vary greatly; check conditions before visiting
2
Spring migration peaks in late April to mid-May for shorebirds
3
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
4
Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors
5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Amenities

Parking

Auto Tour Route

Nearby Attractions

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

More in Kansas

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Unique inland salt marshes with nesting Snowy Plovers and migrating Sandhill Cranes.

170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue)

Wetland birding hotspot in Kansas with 220 recorded species.

Arkalon Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Kansas with 220 recorded species.

Kansas Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Kansas →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area for birding are April-May. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area?▼

Notable species at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area include White-rumped Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Whooping Crane, Snowy Plover, Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose. The area supports wetland, marsh, grassland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area?▼

Birding at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

Is there an entrance fee at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area?▼

There is no entrance fee at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. Hours: Open 24 hours.

What amenities are available at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area?▼

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Auto Tour Route.