Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

06/09/2026

Have you ever noticed the enlarged, upturned scale at the tip of a bull snake's snout? This scale, known as the rostral scale, acts as a shovel, allowing the bull snake to excavate the burrows and tunnels of prairie dogs and other rodents for shelter and for prey. In fact, a single bull snake can eat hundreds of rodents each year, earning it the nickname the farmer's friend! So next time you come across a bull snake, pay close attention to it's snout. Can you dig it?

📸: Jillian Boyd/USFWS

05/29/2026

It's all smiles at Kids Fishing Day — unless you lose a fish! 🎣😉

Come join the fun next Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the North Shore Boat Ramp at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge.

Anyone can fish for free all weekend long! There will be a fishing clinic with demonstrations for beginning anglers, with rods and reels available to use during the event. We’ll also have free hot dogs and drinks for everyone to enjoy.

Bring the kids, bring your sunscreen, and don’t miss out on this reel-y fun morning at the reservoir! 🐟🌞

05/14/2026

🎣 Please join us for Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, June 6!

We’ll be casting lines and making memories at the North Shore Boat Ramp from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Whether your child is a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the very first time, it’s a great chance to get outside and reel in some fun! 🐟 Rods and reels will be available during the event.

Even better — the event falls during Kansas Free Fishing Days, which means anyone can fish public waters without a state fishing license. Just remember: length and creel limits still apply.

Come enjoy a morning of fishing, fresh air, and family fun at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge!

04/14/2026

We might be out on a limb here, but we don't see Canada geese in trees all too often. Although uncommon, Canada geese do occasionally nest in trees. They typically take over tree cavities or nests abandoned by hawks, eagles, or ospreys. This is to protect their eggs from ground predators like foxes, coyotes, and bobcats. Goslings born in tree nests will jump to the ground soon after hatching. Their light, downy bodies allow them to survive these falls, even those from great heights.

As for these two? No nest, just taking a gander at the view.

📸: Jillian Boyd/USFWS

02/23/2026

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is seeking applications from dependable cooperators! Help us promote and enhance prairie grasslands through prescribed grazing.

Visit the Kirwin NWR website (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kirwin) to view the application materials and apply by Friday, March 13 — because sometimes the grass really is greener on the other side...

📸: Tony Ifland/USFWS

01/23/2026

Bald eagles can handle intense cold, can you? Brave the cold and join us for Eagle Day at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26! The presentation will be in the Dining Hall of the Dane G. Hansen Scout Reservation (1004 S Kirwin Lake Rd, Kirwin, KS 67644). Don't miss the opportunity to learn about our national bird and symbol from an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. Expect live, rehabilitated birds, demonstrations, and a lot of infotainment!

📸: Sam Stukel/USFWS

01/09/2026

Mark your calendars for Eagle Day 2026! The educational program features a live bald eagle and two mystery birds of prey. Monday, January 26 at 7:00 PM in the Dining Hall at Dane G. Hansen Scout Reservation. Reach out with any questions: 785-543-6673 x14 | [email protected]

10/01/2025

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.
For more information, please visit:

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

08/26/2025

Don’t let their name fool you, common nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) aren’t true hawks, and they aren’t nocturnal either. They’re most active at dawn and dusk, foraging on flying insects, such as beetles, moths, grasshoppers, flies, mosquitos, winged ants, and more. Nighthawks appear to have a very small, inconspicuous bill, that is, until you spy one open its wide, gaping mouth and swallow a grasshopper whole. Appearances (and names) can be deceiving! In the case of nighthawks, they can even be jaw-dropping.

📸: Jillian Boyd/USFWS
📸: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (open-mouthed nighthawk)

06/03/2025

Although it's KIDS Fishing Day this Saturday, June 7 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the North Shore Boat Ramp), anglers of any age can fish public waters like Kirwin Reservoir without purchasing a fishing license. All other fishing regulations, such as length and creel limits, still apply. Come drop a line, Big Kids. 🎣