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

Loading map...

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

Northern Bobwhite

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

145/30/2026

Common Grackle

35/30/2026

Wood Duck

45/30/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

35/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/30/2026

Killdeer

25/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

25/30/2026

Glossy Ibis

15/30/2026

White-faced Ibis

405/30/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

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.