Flint Hills Refugewinter wildlife
Ducks and geese number in the thousands, with their peak numbers in November, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. No official report yet this season.
Right now in Flint Hills Refuge · September
- Fishing is allowed year-round in the refuge's open areas · Jan–Dec
33days to the next winter wildlife seasontheir peak numbers occurring in November, local timing
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Fishing is allowed year-round in the refuge's open areasNowJan–Dec
- Songbirds and perching birds: April and May are the best months to see them, as warblers returnApr–May
- Apr: White pelicans pass through on migration in AprilApr
- Nov: Ducks and geese in the thousands, peaking in NovemberNov
Where to watch
- Burgess Marsh TrailThe first trail you pass coming onto the refuge: a short, easy concrete path (about 0.16 mile) with a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk raised into the marsh, where wading birds, waterfowl and shorebirds feed
- Dove Roost TrailA 0.7-mile lollipop loop around Dove Roost Pond on the northeast side of the Neosho River, reaching the western end of John Redmond Reservoir; its rocky Eagle Point is a good lookout for eagle watchers in winter
Flint Hills Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Auto Tour (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Rules and Policies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Fishing (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge?
Ducks and geese number in the thousands, with their peak numbers in November, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: their peak numbers occurring in November. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 33 days (their peak numbers occurring in November, local timing).
How do I get there?
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)
Is the auto tour loop always open?
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)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but dogs and all other pets must be kept under strict control at all times.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where can I park, and what if a road is flooded?
Park no more than one vehicle width from the edge of the road, without blocking traffic or gates. Driving through flooded roadways is prohibited.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp or fly a drone?
No. Camping and fires are prohibited on the refuge, and so are drones.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flint Hills NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge?
Burgess Marsh Trail: the first trail you pass coming onto the refuge: a short, easy concrete path (about 0.16 mile) with a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk raised into the marsh, where wading birds, waterfowl and shorebirds feed; Dove Roost Trail: a 0.7-mile lollipop loop around Dove Roost Pond on the northeast side of the Neosho River, reaching the western end of John Redmond Reservoir; its rocky Eagle Point is a good lookout for eagle watchers in winter.
What is Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Ducks and geese in the thousands, peaking in November (Nov), Songbirds and perching birds: April and May are the best months to see them, as warblers return (Apr–May), White pelicans pass through on migration in April (Apr) and Fishing is allowed year-round in the refuge's open areas (Jan–Dec).