Much has been written over the years about Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. These wetlands fall square in the middle of the Central Flyway and are two of the most important stopover sites for migrating shorebirds in the world. Up to 250,000 waterfowl and nearly half of all North American shorebirds migrating east of the Rockies stop in the area to rest and refuel during migration. Of the 460+ bird species known to Kansas, more than 310 species have been observed at Quivira and more than 340 at the Bottoms. Flocks of Sandhill Cranes pass through in the spring and fall, with an occasional group of Whooping Cranes. Where there are waterfowl and shorebirds, there will be birds of prey.
In addition to birding at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira, we’ll enjoy a private lek experience in the heart of Kansas’ Lesser Prairie-Chicken habitat. The raucous displays of prairie-chickens include stomping, booming, whooping, and sparring. With exposed tail coverts and colorful balloon-like air sacs flashing, few performances in the bird world are more memorable than the dawn dance of prairie-chickens.
We’ll spend three days exploring Kansas’ birding and wildlife hotspots. We have strategically selected areas away from crowds so that we have the time and space to truly enjoy these wildlife spectacles in true Reefs to Rockies style. We’ll travel along scenic and historic byways in a custom American safari van with a conversion pop-top and spacious seating. This is not the traditional passenger van you may have traveled in on past trips. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been specially designed by two wildlife biologists to allow for optimal viewing. It makes a perfect ‘blind’ and there’s ample room for everyone to view at the same time.
No Birding & Beers trip is complete without stops at a variety of locally-owned craft breweries along the way. Join us for an unforgettable spring trip to The Middle Of It All.
The Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT), founded in 1998, creates and protects a network of shortgrass prairie preserves, ensuring a future for native flora and fauna. A donation to SPLT to aid in their land acquisition efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.
Morning departure from Denver. As we work our way east to Great Bend, we’ll stop at Cheyenne Bottoms, a 41,000-acre wetland complex in central Kansas and one of the top staging areas – places migrating birds stop to feed and rest – for shorebirds and waterfowl in the United States during wet years. Evening arrival to Great Bend and Welcome Dinner at a local brewery.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express and Suites
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Estimated drive times today: Denver to Cheyenne Bottoms – 6 hrs; Cheyenne Bottoms to Great Bend – 30 mins