Wetland pools with migrating waterfowl at Loess Bluffs

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandMarshGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

March-April, October-November

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Loess Bluffs NWR (formerly Squaw Creek) is one of the Midwest's most spectacular migration stops. Each fall, hundreds of thousands of Snow Geese descend on the refuge's wetlands, and spring brings massive numbers of ducks, shorebirds, and Bald Eagles.

The 10-mile auto tour loop provides outstanding access to the marshes, pools, and grasslands. The loess bluffs along the Missouri River floodplain create unique habitat conditions that concentrate birds in impressive numbers, making this one of the premier birding destinations in the central United States.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

4/18/2026

Ross's Goose

14/18/2026

Canada Goose

4/18/2026

Wood Duck

4/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/18/2026

Gadwall

4/18/2026

Mallard

4/18/2026

Northern Pintail

4/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

4/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

4/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/18/2026

Hooded Merganser

4/18/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

4/18/2026

Mourning Dove

4/18/2026

American Coot

4/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

4/18/2026

American Avocet

4/18/2026

Killdeer

4/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

4/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    The fall Snow Goose peak is typically late November — the evening fly-in is spectacular

  2. 2

    Drive the auto loop slowly and check every pool for different species of dabbling and diving ducks

  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 Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge for birding are March-April, October-November. The best seasons are Fall and Spring.
What birds can I see at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Bald Eagle, American White Pelican, Short-eared Owl, Harris's Sparrow, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Redhead, Lesser Scaup. The area supports wetland, marsh, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Loess Bluffs 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 Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.