Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Kansas · Midwest

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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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/3/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA--1C & 3A Dike Rd.3 observed

Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon fulva

5/31/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/29/2026Veterans Memorial Park, Great Bend2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/24/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA--1C & 3A Dike Rd.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cliff Swallow

406/3/2026

Gadwall

26/3/2026

Black Tern

76/3/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

16/3/2026

Snow Goose

36/3/2026

Wood Duck

86/3/2026

Blue-winged Teal

56/3/2026

American Wigeon

26/3/2026

Mallard

36/3/2026

Redhead

236/3/2026

Ruddy Duck

306/3/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/3/2026

Killdeer

16/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/3/2026

Forster's Tern

26/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

36/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

196/3/2026

White-faced Ibis

36/3/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/3/2026

Great Egret

106/3/2026

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.