This migration of shorebirds and waterfowl through the Cheyenne Bottoms is honestly hard to believe! 

I was in K.C. over the weekend with Sandra. I hated to miss graduation and the opportunity to watch this group of Hoisington graduates cross the line. Congratulations to each and every one of you. Thank you for your work ethic and performance in school. We outsiders watch and cherish you and the school system that has served you so well. You have been amazing students and will continue to be amazing adults. Honor your parents and your heritage — I told one graduate to be careful and not disappoint his mother — you have to sleep sometime ... that will never change!

My best wishes also to my Great Bend friends!!! We have much anticipation for the upcoming seasons.

This little bit of rain has put some water back in the Bottoms. I’m surprised at how hot it became in such a short time. The mudflats are drying, the carp are dying and the birds are enjoying a feast they can’t comprehend — and you can’t believe the birds and critters and reptiles that have exploded into view. Be careful on the roads at the Bottoms — the water snakes, massasauga rattlers and the garter snakes don’t know the dangers of the road — it is our responsibility to let them pass and not become raptor or predator food. They have a place and fill and are a vital part of our ecosystem.  

I saw my first night heron of the season. It was a Black-crowned and his red eye is spectacular! We don’t see very many Yellow-crowned night herons, but they are also gorgeous!!! The Black-necked Stilts are numerous and busy! Avocets and White-faced Ibis are so hungry! The shorebirds are spectacular and there are some strangers like Willits, plovers, odd sandpipers, and rails — I am wearing out pages in my bird identification books!!!

Of course, the kicker is going to be water. Kansas is changing — the wheat is stunted and already heading out when it should be starting to grow and develop. It was interesting to watch the gulls and egrets wade around the carp which are in dire straits with their backs out of the water. Gulls are feeding on dead carp, but the egrets are wading circles around the exposed carp. Another couple of days and the carp will be gone. 

Jason was spraying thistle today, Kim is moving silt out of the main channel, and everyone is busy! The new headquarters is spectacular! The new signs honoring all the organizations and people who have played a vital role in this precious resource are recognized. The next edition of the DU magazine will emphasize the national wetlands and resources. Be sure to get a copy of that magazine — my friend John Hoffman is the iron backbone of the spectacular media and print content—it is a special time to celebrate the work of Ducks Unlimited. I am eager to get that magazine and learn about all these special places.

Don’t miss this current time at the Cheyenne Bottoms USA!!! Stop by the Wetlands Education center and check the list of bird species that are here. If you find a Western Grebe, let me know! I would be thrilled with a Bittern!

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast. 

He can be reached at danwitt01@gmail.com.