QUIVIRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE — For those who want to see the sandhill crane soar, hear the quacking of ducks and geese, and have help identifying the falcon, or a pheasant, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is offering free bus tours and lunch with the guidance of experts.
The Quivira staff and Friends of Quivira would like to help those who have visited and want to know more.  They are offering free guided bus tours of Quivira on Saturday, Oct. 13.  Tour times are 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Quivira does have water. The Big Salt Marsh and the Little Salt Marsh have some water in them, according to Barry Jones, visitor services specialist at Quivira. He expects the low water could affect migration but that it is hard to determine.
There is still nature to see. Jones said he has never seen the refuge so filled with yellow flowers. There are goldenrod, sunflowers and a lot of color.
In addition, a new butterfly pavilion has been added to the Refuge.
Quivira does have a dike system, but the Refuge receives water from underground which passes through a salt layer, giving it a more salty composition than Cheyenne Bottoms. The Refuge also receives water from Rattle Snake Creek and of course, rain water.
However, the salt water does not affect the types of birds that migrate through, according to Jones. In addition, Quivira has areas of fresh water.
Each tour will last approximately 2 ½ hours, and will feature a tour guide showing points of interest, scenery, birds, and management activities along the way.  Fall migration of waterfowl, should be well under way by that time.  A short walk, stops at view points, and restroom breaks are also scheduled.
Tours are designed for any age, and a sack lunch is available to each participant by request.  The tours and lunch are free of charge.  Registration is required for this event.  Please call Quivira at 620-486-2393 to make a reservation or to find out more, but do it soon, as space is limited on these tours.