An Inland Paradise for Birdwatchers 背景知识(background info)

1. Cheyenne Bottoms
    Cheyenne Bottoms is a wetland of international importance, being a critical stopover point for more than half of the population of northward-migrating shorebirds of North America and a habitat for numerous species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and plants. Six species on the federal endangered and threatened species list regularly use the Bottoms: whooping crane, piping plover, snowy plover, least tern, peregrine falcon, and bald eagle. Cheyenne Bottoms is one of the last of the major wetland systems left in the State of Kansas. The maintenance of standing water is critical for habitat function, so the natural water supply needs to be supplemented with diversions from neighboring watersheds (Wet Walnut Creek, Dry Walnut Creek, Pawnee) and from the Arkansas River. These sources of water are under increasing pressure from agricultural and municipal demands, and a deficit situation exists. For more information, please visit: www.cheyennebottoms.net/.


2. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
    The Refuge, located along the migratory bird route known as the Central Flyway, provides a valuable wetland habitat for migrating birds. The 22,135-acre refuge seasonally hosts more than 500,000 ducks and geese and more than 100,000 sand hill cranes. The endangered whooping crane is also often seen on the refuge. Fall and winter bald eagles arrive from the north. Shorebirds pass through the refuge in fall and spring. Mammals at the refuge include deer, badgers, coyotes, raccoons, and minks. Walking trails include a 900-foot wheelchair-accessible trail and a 1.2-mile trail which is partly accessible. Quivira offers an auto tour route with 17 interpretive stops. Public uses also include hunting for waterfowl, pheasant and quail, and fishing. More information can be found at www.naturalkansas.org/quivira.htm/.


3. the Nature Conservancy
    Between 1955 and 1978, about 40 percent of the wetlands in Kansas disappeared. Wetland losses throughout the nation, and internationally, have caused populations of some shorebird species — starved for water, food, and nesting sites — to shrink by 60 to 80 percent. Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve is a step toward reversing these trends by safeguarding and enhancing wetland habitat.
   The Nature Conservancy's goal at Cheyenne Bottoms is to protect water fowl and shorebirds alike by restoring and protecting the natural marshes, mud flats and adjoining grasslands. More information can be found at www.cheyennebottoms.net/about_quivira.html, www.tnc.org, www.gpnc.org.