Wetland birding habitat

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/30/2026Quivira NWR--Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/22/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/21/2026Quivira NWR--Little Salt Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Kingbird

45/23/2026

American Avocet

45/23/2026

Black-necked Stilt

75/23/2026

Killdeer

65/23/2026

Snowy Plover

105/23/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

15/23/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

755/23/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

755/23/2026

Least Tern

45/23/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/23/2026

Tree Swallow

15/23/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

35/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

85/23/2026

Hudsonian Godwit

15/23/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

35/23/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

15/23/2026

Least Sandpiper

25/23/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

15/23/2026

Forster's Tern

25/23/2026

American White Pelican

755/23/2026

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 - NE 170th Saint for birding?
The best months to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint 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 - NE 170th Saint?
Notable species at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint?
Birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint 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 - NE 170th Saint?
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.