KWEC - June 29, 2010

Throughout the day, we have been watching the progression of killdeer hatch from a nest along the side driveway at the KWEC.  We have watched the nest of 4 eggs for a couple weeks now.  This morning, one puff-ball killdeer was seen scurrying from the nest.  Then, we saw a second juvenile in the nest.  Finally, at the end of today, there is one egg yet to be hatched, 2 juveniles in the nest, and one running around.  Keep your eyes open for the little guys!  See Recent Photos!

Cheyenne Bottoms - June 8, 2010

First oil-covered bird spotted at the Cheyenne Bottoms. First observed by Kim and Jerry Schneweis, and then confirmed by Karl Grover, (Cheyenne Bottoms Refuge Manager) and Charlie Swank on 6-8-10. It was a Great Blue Heron and was able to fly.

Quivira - June 1, 2010

I make a quick swing through the Big Salt Marsh of Quivira this morning on the way to work and found a few birds of interest. The most unexpected bird was a female BLACK SCOTER, seen along the east side of the Wildlife Drive, just north of the east low-water crossing, on the inside of the loop. I saw it on the water for a few seconds and then watched it as it flew in circles for a couple of minutes, until it landed a few hundreds yards north of me behind some cattails. I saw the two-colored head, with no bill bump and saw it well in flight. It had all dark wings on top and silvery primaries contrasting with dark below on the underwings. I have seen Surf Scoter in spring before at Quivira, but this was new for me there.

Mike Rader

Quivira - April 1, 2010

The Whooping Cranes have landed at Quivira! On March 31, there were 66 confirmed sightings. This morning, April 1, there were 74 in the Little Salt Marsh, Big Salt Marsh and Unit 14a!

KWEC -March 24, 2010

Several long-billed dowitchers and a horned grebe were spotted at the Kansas Wetland Education Center. Sandhill cranes continue to move through the area during spring migration!

Whooping Cranes - March 23, 2010

A group of 3 whoopers were observed with sandhill cranes in a corn field north west of Quivira, just south of the Barton County line. This was a family group of 2 adults and 1 juvenile.

Barry Jones, Visitor Services, Quivira

Whooping Crane - March 18, 2010

A whooping crane visited the Big Salt Marsh at Quivira on March 18, 2010!

Spring Migration

Spring migration is beginning at both Cheyenne Bottoms and at Quivira. There are exceptional birding opportunities at both refuge sites!