Quivira Refugewinter wildlife
Geese and ducks peak in November, when they can number in the hundreds of thousands, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Nov 1–30). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Quivira Refuge · September
34days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 1–30, local timing
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Spring shorebirds: arriving as early as February, thousands by MayFeb–May
- Dogs must be leashed (March 1 – August 31)Mar–Aug
- Nov: Geese and ducks at their peak (November)Nov
Where to watch
- Wildlife Drive at Big Salt Marsh (Auto Tour Route)A 5-mile Wildlife Drive inside the roughly 15-mile Auto Tour Route, with close-up views of Big Salt Marsh and many places to stop along the way.
- Migrant's Mile TrailOne of the refuge's two main walking areas: a paved inner loop of about 0.6 miles, or just over 1.2 miles for the whole trail, through several habitats.
Quivira Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Rules & Policies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Auto tour (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 Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
Geese and ducks peak in November, when they can number in the hundreds of thousands, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Nov 1–30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 34 days (Nov 1–30, local timing).
What are the refuge's hours?
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?
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)
Where do I park, and can I get everywhere?
Use one of the more than 30 designated parking areas and don't block any gates. Most of the refuge is open on foot, but a few areas close seasonally for nesting birds, and in wet periods access to many areas may be limited.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I picnic, camp or launch a kayak?
No. There are no picnic facilities, overnight camping or parking is not permitted, and boats, kayaks and canoes are not allowed on the refuge.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quivira NWR: Rules & Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
Wildlife Drive at Big Salt Marsh (Auto Tour Route): a 5-mile Wildlife Drive inside the roughly 15-mile Auto Tour Route, with close-up views of Big Salt Marsh and many places to stop along the way.; Migrant's Mile Trail: one of the refuge's two main walking areas: a paved inner loop of about 0.6 miles, or just over 1.2 miles for the whole trail, through several habitats..
What is Quivira National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Geese and ducks at their peak (November) (Nov), Spring shorebirds: arriving as early as February, thousands by May (Feb–May) and Dogs must be leashed (March 1 – August 31) (Mar–Aug).