Wetland birding habitat

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and American Wigeon among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/15/2026Kirwin NWR--Cottonwood Grove7 observed

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

7/13/2026Kirwin NWR--Crappie Point1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/12/2026Kirwin NWR--Crappie Point1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/11/2026Kirwin NWR--Crappie Point1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/8/2026Kirwin NWR--Crappie Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

77/15/2026

Canada Goose

47/15/2026

Northern Bobwhite

17/15/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

17/15/2026

Mourning Dove

107/15/2026

Killdeer

87/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/15/2026

American White Pelican

187/15/2026

Bald Eagle

27/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/15/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

97/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

European Starling

27/15/2026

Western Meadowlark

27/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/15/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge?
Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.