State guide
When to catch Kansasthrough the year
We follow 2 places in Kansas for spring migration and winter wildlife: winter at Flint Hills Refuge and Quivira Refuge and spring at Flint Hills Refuge. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in Kansas
Good in fall
- Flint Hills RefugeDucks and geese in the thousands, peaking in November
- Quivira RefugeGeese and ducks at their peak (November)
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Winter in Kansas
Spring in Kansas
- SEASON · SPRING MIGRATIONFlint Hills RefugeApril and May are the best time of yearKansas
“April and May are the best time of year” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Also good in spring
- Flint Hills RefugeSongbirds and perching birds: April and May are the best months to see them, as warblers return
- Quivira RefugeSpring shorebirds: arriving as early as February, thousands by May
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in Kansas
Good in summer
- Quivira RefugeDogs must be leashed (March 1 – August 31)
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Places in Kansas
- Flint Hills RefugeLocal timing: April and May are the best time of year
- Quivira RefugeLocal timing: November
Planning a Kansas trip
Towns to stay in
- Manhattan, KSFlint Hills Refuge · 70 mi
- Gardner, KSFlint Hills Refuge · 66 mi
Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.
Browse by season and event
- Spring migration · 1 place hereSpring migration, everywhere →
- Winter wildlife · 2 places hereWinter wildlife, everywhere →
Questions people ask
Why might I see smoke in spring at Flint Hills Refuge?
Spring is when prescribed fire season begins on the refuge; the smoke can be seen for miles.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the auto tour loop always open at Flint Hills Refuge?
Not always. The loop, in the refuge's Indian Hill Section, can close, so check its current status with the refuge office before you go.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Auto Tour ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I get there at Flint Hills Refuge?
The headquarters, which is also the visitor center, is on the west side of Hartford. From I-35 take exit 141, drive 8 miles south on K-130 to Hartford, turn right on West Maple Avenue and look for the refuge sign after about three-eighths of a mile.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the refuge's hours at Quivira Refuge?
The refuge is open every day from 1½ hours before sunrise to 1½ hours after sunset. The visitor center, at the south end of the refuge, is open 7:30 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays, except federal holidays.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Rules & Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog at Quivira Refuge?
Yes, as long as it stays under your control at all times. From March 1 through August 31, dogs and other pets must be on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Rules & Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nearby state guides: Oklahoma · Nebraska · Missouri · Iowa
Kansas in pictures
How we know
- Sep 28Park ServiceBest months for songbirds (April and May) and the November peak of waterfowl migrationSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Birding in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceSeasons of wildlife: November peak of ducks and geese, April warblers and white pelicans, winter raptorsSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Species in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceSeasons of wildlife at Quivira: spring shorebirds, summer herons, the November waterfowl peak and winter deer.Source (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Species in a new tab)