Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

During my cross country travel I decided to take a pit stop at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Before I arrived I did very little research, I did know that this was a sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife but mostly birds. I also noticed while looking over google maps that it did have a visitor center and a huge lake which seemed very promising. Surrounded by farm fields just 20 minutes out I hit a small road block. Gravel roads. With my 2016 Mazda Sedan fully loaded with all of my belongings I knew I had to be cautious. For the next 20 minutes I felt every little rock and divot in the road. I finally made it to the entrance. As I drove closer I found the visitor center and there was no one there. I got out of my car and noticed I was the only one for miles. I had the place to myself. I then started to explore.

I made it to the first overlook at the lake. Except the lake was really a salt marsh and that marsh dried up and became salt flats. This was something I really never scene before, it was incredible. As I kept exploring I noticed they had a bird look out where I began to walk to. Thus far I only saw a couple birds but as I walked towards the lookout I kept hearing them. I looked up and there they were! Hundreds maybe thousands of birds above. It was incredible. A scene that was so lifeless just became full. The bird look out was a little hut that would protect you from the very strong winds blasting salt right into you. After a couple of hours of exploring and not one person in sight I made my way out. If you are ever in the area I believe this is a very unique place to see and one of my favorites in Kansas.