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

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/25/2026Margrave WMA1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/25/2026Loess Bluffs NWR3 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/24/2026Loess Bluffs NWR1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

5/22/202636649 Holt 340, Oregon, Missouri, US (39.91, -95.018)1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/20/2026Loess Bluffs NWR3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/20/2026

Blue-winged Teal

25/20/2026

Mallard

25/20/2026

Northern Bobwhite

25/20/2026

Mourning Dove

65/20/2026

Killdeer

25/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/20/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/20/2026

Northern Flicker

15/20/2026

American Kestrel

15/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

95/20/2026

Barn Swallow

45/20/2026

European Starling

35/20/2026

Gray Catbird

15/20/2026

Brown Thrasher

35/20/2026

American Robin

65/20/2026

Song Sparrow

15/20/2026

Orchard Oriole

65/20/2026

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.