Now is the time to go visit the Bottoms. One of the most spectacular events on this earth is happening right now. The Fall migration is in progress. If you have never seen it, you won’t believe it. It just takes my breath every year.

The shorebirds are passing through. The Avocets are very light colored in their fall plumage. The ringed-bill and Franklin gulls are striking. I have seen thousands of the Franklin gulls migrating when I drive to Wichita and back each week. The huge numbers of geese and ducks are just mind-boggling. The raptors are following the waterfowl migration. I found this Golden Eagle sitting on the dike munching on a duck. The Bald Eagles are starting to show up also. There is a new surprise around every corner!

Sterling College is having their “Crane Day” this weekend. I haven’t seen any Whooping Cranes yet, but they must be in transit. There are LOTS of Sandhill Cranes around. When they are calling and circling from so high in the air it will make you stop hunting ducks just to watch. Most of our ducks for the table this year have been Gadwalls. They are here in more numbers than I can recall. There are also lots of Green-winged teal. Despite the low water, duck hunting has been good. We could surely use some more rain.

There is sadness in our community. The passing of Calvin Calp marked the end of an era. He knew more about the fur business and trapping than anyone I have ever met. He was a kind, brilliant person that added a lot to our community. I know he is fishing and exploring the universe forever. We lost a very special friend. He had so much knowledge and information about plants and animals, he is missed by a lot of friends from every walk of life. What a man!

I hope Acconia and the solar panel folks respect the Bottoms and this land enough to not put this wonder of the world in danger. It is a fragile and wonderful piece of real estate and I hope Kansas will step up and protect it. I’ve asked the Governor to consider state law to protect the marshes, flyways and birds that need these wetlands to survive. There are so many safe places to put panels – don’t put these marshes at any risk. It is logical and Kansas will be better when these wetlands are safe. Drop your elected representatives a note and mention it at every event they attend. The birds deserve it.

Doc

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast. He can be reached at danwitt01@gmail.com.