Sandhill Cranes over salt marsh wetlands at Quivira NWR

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandMarshGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

March-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Quivira NWR protects a mosaic of salt marsh, sand prairie, and managed wetlands in central Kansas. Its inland salt marshes are unique habitats that support Snowy Plovers and interior Least Terns, alongside thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes and waterfowl.

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

Northern Bobwhite

56/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Bell's Vireo

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Horned Lark

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Field Sparrow

16/2/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Dickcissel

36/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the salt flats for Snowy Plovers in spring and summer

  2. 2

    Sandhill Crane migration peaks in March and November

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge for birding are March-May. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge include Snowy Plover, Least Tern, Sandhill Crane, Whooping Crane, White-faced Ibis, Northern Harrier, Snow Goose, American Barn Owl, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose. The area supports wetland, marsh, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Auto Tour Route, Observation Towers.