Quivira NWR Bird/Wildlife Viewing
category : Birdwatching
Bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities abound at Quivira NWR. What you see Yellowheaded Blackbird - photo by Mike Rader, depends largely on the time of year as well as the time of day you are here. For optimum viewing, early morning or late afternoon are suggested. Bobcats, coyotes, and other mammals are often seen lurking about during the heat of the afternoon. At the extreme north end of the Refuge, a thriving prairie dog community can be found.
Quivira NWR has two large salt marshes, one located at the south end of the Refuge and the other at the far north end on the Wildlife drive. Both are excellent places to look for birds such as mallards, wood ducks, pintails, white pelicans and more. Fall is an excellent time to see large numbers of these birds. If you are more interested in shorebirds and water birds, the spring and early summer are the best times to visit. It is not uncommon to see large numbers of Great blue herons, American avocets, sandpipers, and snowy plovers, as well as the beautiful white-faced ibis, or the spinning phalaropes going round and round in circles stirring up the mud looking for a meal.
As you travel through the Refuge, keep your eyes open for white-tailed deer, beaver, raccoons, wild turkeys and other wildlife. There are many parking areas throughout the Refuge which afford visitors a chance to stop and walk around the Refuge or take photographs. No matter what time of year you choose to come, a sharp-eyed visitor will certainly see something worth remembering.
Address: Hwy 50, N at Stafford 6 miles, then E 6 miles
Phone: 620-486-2393
Our Email: quivira@fws.gov
Our Website:www.fws.gov/quivira
Come visit us in Kansas, Kansas