Kansas
Birding
Trails
WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
Directions:
From Great Bend travel 3.5 miles east on US-56. Then go northeast 6.5 miles on K-156.
WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
This nearly 8,000-acre preserve is a network of land parcels managed for wetland and grassland species by the Kansas Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. It is contiguous with the state-owned wildlife area and so the birds found here are similar with large numbers of waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds possible. However, this area has more grassland and wet meadow habitat. Upland Sandpipers, Grasshopper and Lark Sparrows are common in summer, whereas Vesper and Savannah Sparrows can be abundant during migration. Watch for Loggerhead Shrikes perched on the fences or tree tops. In winter check any shrike to see if it is a Northern Shrike. During early spring and mid-late fall Sandhill Cranes use the preserve. With luck you might be able to pick out a Whooping Crane and this is part of the Cheyenne Bottoms basin that Greater Prairie-Chickens have been observed with some regularity. This preserve is a particularly good spot to see a variety of raptors during migration and in the winter, including Northern Harrier, many large hawk species, Bald Eagles and Short-eared Owls. Rare species seen here over the years include Little Stint and White Ibis. Stretches of dirt roads through this area may be impassable following wet weather. Never attempt crossing a portion of road that is under water.
Directions:
Head north from Cheyenne Bottoms Headquarters for 1 mile and the preserve will be on both sides of the road. If you go an additional 3 miles and turn to the right, you enter the heart of the preserve. You also can access the preserve from K-4 four miles west of Redwing. Turn south. One mile after entering the preserve, turn on a road to the east that winds through the main portion of the property.
WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
Quivira NWR features wetlands where the salinity is high enough to support salt-tolerant plants. It also has areas of sand prairie that support a mix of plants characteristic of both short- and tall-grass communities. This unique combination of salt marsh and grass-covered sand dunes gives large areas of this 22,135-acre refuge a distinctly coastal feeling. Snowy Plovers foraging on beach-like flats, Least Terns hovering overhead, strutting Black-necked Stilts with their hot pink legs, bronzy iridescent White-faced Ibis, and the occasional Mottled Duck add to the illusion of being on the Gulf Coast. Like Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivira attracts huge numbers of shorebirds and waterfowl. But here the habitats are more varied and the birds generally more visible. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge areas are open from 1.5 hours before sunrise and close 1.5 hours after sunset.
The Wetland Wonders Trail enters the south end of the refuge from the west on NE 70th St. with the first stop being the Visitor Center. From there you will drive north on refuge roads. Some of the best birding is possible while driving the more than 40 miles of roads. Travel slowly to see roadside birds and pause at any creek crossing or stand of trees to look and listen as you drive between specific birding destinations. If time is short, you may wish to enter the refuge farther north on 140th and focus on the Wildlife Drive and Marsh Road (NE 170th St.) areas – the two most popular birding locations. Astonishing vagrant birds seen at Quivira include, Red-necked Stint, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Wood Stork, Reddish Egret, Gull-billed Tern and Painted Redstart.
Below are recommended birding sites on the refuge and their eBird Hotspots list.
Directions:
From Great Bend, drive south towards St. John on US 281, turning east on NE 70th Street. Proceed 14 miles to NE 170th Avenue, then turn north 1 1/4 miles to the Refuge Headquarters. If only birding the northern portion of the refuge, turn east on NE 140th and drive 14 miles into the refuge.
Visitor Center Area
QUIVIRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE / WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
The Visitor Center has maps, brochures, and interpretive displays about Refuge habitats, wildlife, and management practices. The Kids’ Fishing Pond is within walking distance of the Visitor Center and features a small pond and foot trail that connects to the Observation Tower. Check the pond, the cottonwoods, and a brushy slough to the west beyond the shooting range. The “Tree Tunnel” is along the Refuge’s south boundary, west of the entrance road. It consists of a nice stretch of trees and brush. This can be a good place to check for migrant and breeding passerines during spring and fall and resident species such as Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite and several woodpecker species. Please note that all land on the south side of the road is private property. A similar drive can be done by going to the east along the south refuge boundary, with large trees and grass habitat along the route. These roads are passable in normal conditions but can have water over them in spots or have deep sand that can be difficult to navigate in exceptionally dry conditions.
Little Salt Marsh Observation Tower
QUIVIRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE / WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
This elevated, fully accessible platform provides a view for scanning the Little Salt Marsh, one of the largest wetlands at Quivira. At times in spring and fall, thousands of waterfowl and large numbers of White Pelicans and Sandhill Cranes congregate here. Whooping Cranes sometimes can be seen just to the west of the tower. A photo blind is reached via a short trail to the west, and it can be a good place to view shorebirds. A trail leads south to the Kids’ Fishing Pond which might be worth a quick look. Early morning and late afternoon are great times to check out this part of the refuge.
Migrants Mile Trail
QUIVIRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE / WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
Look for a parking area for the Migrants Mile Trail in the center of the refuge. This trail allows the visitor to see a variety of habitats: woodland, prairie, and marsh. There are two loops on this trail: the inner loop is roughly 3/4-mile in length; the outer loop will add about 1/2 mile to the hike. Along the trail is a 335-foot boardwalk over a marsh. Park Smith Lake on the east side of the road can be good for diving ducks. Just north of the Migrants Mile Trail is a restroom facility and tornado shelter. Aside from the Visitor Center and Kids’ Fishing Pond to the south, these are the only restrooms at the Refuge.
Wildlife Drive
QUIVIRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE / WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
This 5-mile drive through the marsh is Quivira’s most exciting bird-viewing area and one of the best locations in the state for shorebird, waterfowl and crane observation. Some shorebirds, ibis, and herons are present from spring through fall, with a few birds lingering through the winter. Scan any of the shallow water areas on both sides of the road. Travel slowly, keep the noise level down, be observant, and enjoy the wildlife. Many of the birds are accustomed to vehicles and will often be less disturbed if you remain in your car. Part way around the loop is the Big Salt Marsh Overlook. It is often an excellent location for viewing enormous numbers of waterfowl during spring and fall. During this same period, tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes as well as a few Whooping Cranes may be seen here. Even in the coldest part of winter, there is often a small area of open water visible from this spot. This refuge is open 1.5 hours before sunrise to 1.5 hours after sunset. There are occasions where areas on the refuge may be closed for the protection of wildlife and/or the public, such as when Whooping Cranes roost next to the road and there is an increased likelihood of disturbance or for prescribed burning activities.
Marsh Road (NE 170th St.)
QUIVIRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE / WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
WETLAND WONDERS TRAIL
About The Area
Located along the Wetland Wonders Trail between Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira NWR is the town of Ellinwood. During summer Mississippi Kites gracefully soar overhead and during migration waterfowl and cranes can be seen flying overhead moving to or from Quivira and Cheyenne Bottoms. Migrant songbirds sometimes can be found at the cemetery or in the neighborhoods. However, the most interesting birding location is Wolf Pond Park. Located along US 56, this small park has a pond where in recent years Black-bellied Whistling Ducks have been nesting. This colorful duck species nests in boxes placed in the pond. Geese and dabbling ducks usually frequent this small city pond, especially in fall and winter.
Directions:
Wolf Pond Park is located on the south side of US 56 on the west edge of Ellinwood.
