Grassland birding habitat

McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

5/23/2026McPherson Valley Wetlands WA--Big Basin Marshes5 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/23/2026McPherson Valley Wetlands WA--Big Basin Marshes1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/23/2026McPherson Valley Wetlands WA--Big Basin Marshes2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

25/30/2026

Wild Turkey

35/30/2026

Mourning Dove

45/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Great Horned Owl

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Horned Lark

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

45/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/30/2026

Northern House Wren

15/30/2026

European Starling

25/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/30/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

65/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Bald Eagle. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge?
McPherson SFL & Maxwell Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.