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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

4/14/2026Wingsong Acres1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/14/2026Wingsong Acres1 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

Blue-winged Teal

434/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

84/16/2026

Gadwall

254/16/2026

Black-necked Stilt

34/16/2026

American Avocet

124/16/2026

Snowy Plover

24/16/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

44/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

74/16/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/16/2026

Canada Goose

64/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

44/13/2026

American Wigeon

74/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

54/13/2026

Ring-necked Duck

44/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

254/13/2026

Bufflehead

44/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

5104/13/2026

Mourning Dove

124/13/2026

American Coot

804/13/2026

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.