Kansas wildlife

Right now is one of the best times of the year for bird watchers. As Commentator Rex Buchanan tells us, as many as 800 million birds will soon be moving through this part of the world as they migrate south.

Missouri and Kansas are home to approximately 400 different bee species. Some residents are turning their yards and balconies into havens of native plants.

The bird dwells west of Lubbock, and in the tip of the Panhandle, north of Amarillo.

The Kansas River is cleaner today than half a century ago, but pollution and trash remain problems. Kayakers and others who love this river are helping the river's sandbars by hauling away tons of garbage.

Well-designed lighting lets people see at night while reducing the negative impacts of artificial light on pollinators and birds. It's also better for human sleep.

The lesser prairie chicken is threatened in its northern range, which includes Kansas and Oklahoma, and endangered in its southern range. Kansas Republicans have introduced legislation over the years that would reverse protections for the species.

The Lesser Prairie-Chicken Landowner Alliance aims to earn money while preserving habitat for the endangered bird.

Jim Richardson had a distinguished career making images for National Geographic Magazine stories on cultural, environmental and scientific issues. His work on the Flint Hills introduced the uniquely American landscape to an international audience.

The tension over water for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge has lasted for decades. But recently, water users made progress toward using less groundwater in the area that impacts Quivira.

The spill included 10 barrels of oil and 1,500 barrels of industrial salt water left over from oil and gas production. Officials say it's mostly cleaned up.