quivira national wildlife refuge

We visited to see birds, and asked staff whom we met on the road (nicely graded) about a recently reported rare bird. In a little while they came back to find us and led us to the site where the bird had been re-located. It had moved, but we found it later in the day, in that spot.

Quivira NWR is basically a wetland complex with a good range of small habitat niches adding to its attractiveness to a wide variety of birds. No matter the season, something special may be in store at Quivira.This is the place to go hoping to get to view migrating Whooping Cranes taking a pit stop to fill up on that long migration. This is the place to expect to see a Peregrine Falcon strafing shorebirds (in addition to peeps, perhaps a Marbled Godwit, Long-billed Curlew, Black-bellied Plover, American Avocet or Blackk-necked Stilt). Come here to watch Black-crowned Night-herons or Mississippi Kites; to seek the elusive Black Rail; or to look for a reported Little Gull. Come here to listen for a Bell's Vireo, find Vesper Sparrows, watch the "wind-up" toy actions of Snowy Plovers, or pick out a Yellow-headed Blackbird in a flock of red-wings.Whether or not birders find a "target bird", the lure of Quivira is likely to bring them back time and again, always to relive the birding of the past and to add new experiences to the bank of fond memories.As of August, 2014, the roads have been put into tip-top shape. The refuge staff has a long history of being birder-friendly and environmental education practitioners.

We came here right after taking a trail at Cheyenne Bottoms (not far away), and were more impressed. Pelicans to Egrets (we think) to a huge vulture being chased by a tiny bird to be almost comical. There are the Salt Marshes, a few are north of the 140th entrance and one south. We only went South and it appeared as larger than many KS reservoirs. A lookout tower with viewing scope in the South as well. How dry or wet the season is, is much more important to these places than the usual lake though. We'll go back to this one to check out the North End in the Fall, during the migration when this place is really full of animals. And no, we aren't 'bird-watchers". Just a couple of surprised semi-locals taking their dogs out for a picnic on a nice day.

Was in the area and thought we'd drive quickly through and hoped to see a few birds. I was not disappointed. Saw roughly 25-30 different types of birds, more if I'd had my binoculars. Very relaxing drive through refuge/salt marsh. Also has some hiking and walking trails. Make sure you allow at least 2-3 hours. Great visit! Will definitely go again if back in the area.