Set in the soft, rolling hills of central Kansas, the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway guarantees both experienced and beginning birders an adventure at some of our country's most exciting birding stops. From the towns of Hoisington and Great Bend to the wildlife areas of Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, this area covers exciting ground in the world of birding.
Hoisington, the gateway to Cheyenne Bottoms, is home to the Song Bird Habitat and the Nature Conservancy Roadside Stop. Here, you'll start to enter a birding world unlike any other. Before you head straight for the wildlife areas, be sure to stop and pick up a helpful brochure to learn about the birds that you'll see when you enter Cheyenne Bottoms.
The largest marsh in the United States' interior, Cheyenne Bottoms has been designated a Wetland of International importance. This large basin contains 320 different species of birds, and you'll likely see bald eagles, pelicans, songbirds, and birds of prey. Bring your binoculars, pack a picnic, and get a bird's-eye view from the Cheyenne Bottoms Scenic Overlook.
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge spans over 22,000 acres and acts as a staging area for over 500,000 birds during spring migration. Hike the trails or drive along the four-mile Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Drive to see the birds, then wander to the visitor center for exciting, interactive exhibits. No matter the season, the Refuge promises great bird sightings, including bald and golden eagles, ducks, geese, and the rarely seen whooping cranes. Spring and fall months bring throngs of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, and this is the best place in the state to see migrating Sandhill Cranes. Over 300 different species of birds pass through and live here, and if you want to keep track of what you see, print out a bird checklist from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Great Bend, located within a few miles of Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, hosts a birding festival every other year in the spring. The Wings and Wetlands Birding Festival draws birders of all ages from all around the country. The festival caters to birders of all experience levels, and the locals in Great Bend love to welcome visitors yearning to discover world-class bird watching.
Experience birding at its finest as you explore the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway. Relax and enjoy the scenery and its winged inhabitants. This quiet area in central Kansas is the perfect place to spot hundreds of birds.
