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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/4/2026Little Salt Marsh, Hudson US-KS 38.10286, -98.487411 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

27/11/2026

Mourning Dove

37/11/2026

Killdeer

17/11/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/11/2026

Great Egret

17/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/11/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/11/2026

Western Kingbird

207/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/11/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

17/11/2026

Barn Swallow

77/11/2026

Northern House Wren

17/11/2026

Gray Catbird

17/11/2026

American Robin

17/11/2026

House Finch

27/11/2026

American Goldfinch

27/11/2026

Field Sparrow

17/11/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

17/11/2026

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.