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The Birding Hub
Shorebirds on mudflats at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Kansas · Midwest

EasyOfficial Site View on eBird Directions
Habitat
WetlandMarshGrassland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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 SandpiperStilt SandpiperWilson's PhalaropeWhooping CraneSnowy PloverSnow GooseRoss's GooseGreater White-fronted GooseCackling GooseCanada Goose

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/20/2026

Wood Duck

147/20/2026

Blue-winged Teal

17/20/2026

Cinnamon Teal

27/20/2026

Mallard

37/20/2026

Northern Pintail

47/20/2026

Northern Bobwhite

17/20/2026

Greater Prairie-Chicken

17/20/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

47/20/2026

Mourning Dove

507/20/2026

Chimney Swift

17/20/2026

Killdeer

77/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Franklin's Gull

2507/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

87/20/2026

Least Tern

37/20/2026

Forster's Tern

17/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

57/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

357/20/2026

White-faced Ibis

117/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Water levels vary greatly; check conditions before visiting

  2. 2

    Spring migration peaks in late April to mid-May for shorebirds

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 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.