Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

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

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

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

2/21/2026Quivira NWR--NE 140th St. Marsh1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

33/2/2026

Canada Goose

63/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

323/2/2026

Gadwall

803/2/2026

American Wigeon

183/2/2026

Mallard

903/2/2026

Northern Pintail

1303/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

403/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

13/2/2026

Killdeer

33/2/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

63/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

33/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/2/2026

Northern Harrier

23/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

53/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

143/2/2026

Snow Goose

2/27/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

2/27/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint for birding?
The best months to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint?
Notable species at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint?
Birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint?
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Big Salt Marsh - NE 170th Saint offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.