Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

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

Northern Shoveler

202/27/2026

Gadwall

152/27/2026

American Wigeon

302/27/2026

Northern Pintail

452/27/2026

Green-winged Teal

252/27/2026

Killdeer

12/27/2026

Mallard

102/23/2026

Canvasback

102/23/2026

Redhead

102/23/2026

Northern Harrier

22/23/2026

American Tree Sparrow

72/23/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

22/23/2026

Canada Goose

12/21/2026

American Coot

72/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake?
Notable species at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake, wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake?
Birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake?
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge - Migrant's Mile & Park Smith Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.