Lake birding habitat

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, 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

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

Blue-winged Teal

44/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/16/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/16/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

24/16/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

14/16/2026

Tree Swallow

114/16/2026

Canada Goose

34/16/2026

Mallard

24/16/2026

Green-winged Teal

14/16/2026

American Coot

444/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

14/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

644/16/2026

Gadwall

64/15/2026

Northern Bobwhite

14/15/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/15/2026

Mourning Dove

184/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake?
Notable species at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake, wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake?
Birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake?
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.