Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

From Main in Stafford, 6 miles east on U.S. 50, then 8½ miles north on NE 140. It’s the sheer number of migrating birds that make this wildlife haven, started in 1955, so appealing to birders. From September to December a half million Canada geese and 27 variety of ducks pass through more than 20,000 acres of Quivira’s prairie grasses, salt marshes, sand dunes, canals, dikes, and woodlands. Bald eagles are also visible during the winter months. The visitor center provides a history of the refuge plus information about endangered birds, how birds follow highways in the sky, and why the marshes here are salty. Ask staff about which birds you might see on a particular day. Pick up a bird list, a 14-mile driving tour brochure, and ask about the nature trails. Refuge open from just before sunrise to just after sunset. Visitor center hours, Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.