It is overwhelming to try to keep up with the comings and goings of the birds of the Bottoms. The different species that blast through our marsh on their way to breeding or resting grounds thousands of miles away keep the hunters and birders, and marsh managers busy.

We, mostly uninvolved people, get to take our binoculars, tripods, cameras, long lens, camouflage, lunch, and dedication to the marsh and try to show the beauty or complexity of the wetland. It is a labor of love, and we do our best.  Some of the best photographers in the world come to the Bottoms and Quivira for subject matter in their processes of environmental photography. The big boys show up and take images that stir nations to protect our resources or encourage us to come see them more often. We buy their books and attend their presentations. We should all be grateful to the major corporations that support these genius-level photographers. They are the first layer of real protection for the birds.

There are several private and governmental organizations also involved in this quest. Let’s do our best to support events like the Audubon Crane Festival in Sterling and the Great Plains Nature Photography in McPherson. Jackie and Jim deserve our highest level of gratitude for their lifelong efforts to protect our natural resources. They have made a difference. Kansas and the birds are lucky to have them watching over us.

One of the major players in terms of species in the Cheyenne Bottoms is the gull. We have several different species of gulls that migrate through. If you are a birder, you already know their names. If you’re not, it doesn’t matter what their names are – they are just so pretty and active that they take our breath! Ringed-bill and Franklin Gulls are the major players. 

I really enjoy chasing gulls with my camera. They are agile, clever, cranky thieves, acrobatic, and fly just fast enough to keep you on your toes or your images are blurred feathers.

If you move up a notch to “beautiful acrobatics,” you are in the “Tern” wheelhouse. Black terns are my favorite – they can do a headstand on their bill while picking up a shad. I have spent several hours at a time just watching – even to the point of not taking pictures – when they are busy feeding. 

We are blessed to have this marsh and Quivira. I was so glad to see everyone step up and protect them. It is a privilege and honor to stand with the birds of our marshes in their daily efforts to survive, thrive, migrate, and produce new babies each year. They depend on us – never let them down!

Doc

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