The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue)

Kansas · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue) is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Great Blue HeronRed-winged BlackbirdMallardGreen HeronVirginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

3/4/2026Auto selected 38.10410, -98.489772 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

2/27/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA4 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

2/27/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

2/25/2026Cheyenne Bottoms WA7 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

2/24/2026204 Northeast 60 Road, Great Bend, Kansas, US (38.449, -98.637)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

2/21/2026NE 170th St, Ellinwood US-KS 38.20172, -98.518221 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

2/21/2026Quivira NWR--Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Auto Tour Route

More in Kansas

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Largest US inland marsh and critical Central Flyway shorebird stopover.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Unique inland salt marshes with nesting Snowy Plovers and migrating Sandhill Cranes.

Arkalon Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Kansas with 220 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit 170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue) for birding?▼
The best months to visit 170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at 170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue)?▼
Notable species at 170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue) include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at 170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue)?▼
Birding at 170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at 170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue)?▼
170th Road (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Avenue) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.