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

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

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

Wood Duck

24/9/2026

Blue-winged Teal

504/9/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/9/2026

Gadwall

154/9/2026

Mallard

44/9/2026

Northern Pintail

34/9/2026

Green-winged Teal

184/9/2026

Ring-necked Duck

104/9/2026

Lesser Scaup

154/9/2026

American Coot

64/9/2026

Killdeer

14/9/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/9/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/9/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

34/9/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/9/2026

Savannah Sparrow

24/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

254/9/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/5/2026

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.