Quivira is consistently rated as one of the top birding destinations in the United States. To date, 344 species have been recorded here.
What to see
Quivira is uniquely located in the center of the United States, so it features both western and eastern specialties. In addition, its location in the center of the Central Flyway places it in the path of some of the highest concentrations of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl in North America. In the middle of the Great Plains, here is a place to view birds such as herons, egrets, shorebirds, and waterfowl - groups of birds typically thought of as coastal.
When to visit
The table below shows a three-year average of bird species observed per month, 2010-2012. Spring and fall abound with shorebirds, waterfowl, and migrating songbirds. Shorebirds even abound through most of the summer, from late June onward. Winter is typically a good time of the year for hawks and other raptors.
To find out about recent bird observations, click on the link below:
Quivira staff and volunteers conduct various surveys throughout the year. Click the following link to see the most recent survey results:
Birds abound throughout the Refuge, but are especially abundant around Quivira's numerous wetlands. Mudflats and shorelines attract shorebirds and long-legged waders such as herons, egrets, and cranes. Emergent marshes are frequented by summer residents such common yellowthroat, yellow-headed blackbird, and several species of rails. Upland Sand Prairie residents include upland sandpiper, dickcissel, and grasshopper sparrow.
Click on the link below to learn about Quivira's Top Ten "Hot Spots":
