Wetland birding habitat

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/15/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/11/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/5/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/4/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

1504/11/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/11/2026

Northern Shoveler

544/11/2026

Mallard

44/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

1754/11/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/11/2026

Bufflehead

34/11/2026

Ruddy Duck

2854/11/2026

American Coot

1104/11/2026

Black-necked Stilt

334/11/2026

American Avocet

574/11/2026

Killdeer

34/11/2026

Hudsonian Godwit

24/11/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

164/11/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/11/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

934/11/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

184/11/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/11/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

414/11/2026

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 Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh?
Notable species at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh?
Birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh?
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.