Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1955 to provide wintering habitat and a migration stop for migratory birds moving up and down the Central Flyway. In 1999, Quivira NWR reached its present size of 22,135 acres. The name "Quivira" comes from a Native American tribe living in the area when the explorer, Coronado, visited in 1541. It is believed to mean "raccoon eyes" in reference to tattoos around the eyes of the Native Americans resembling a raccoon's mask. <P>For years, the marshes of Quivira NWR have attracted thousands of migrating waterfowl. These marshes, together with a wide diversity of other habitats, provide food, cover, and protection for wildlife. Wetlands, large and small, are present throughout the Refuge, which includes approximately 7,000 surface acres of slightly to moderately saline water. Fall flights of thousands of Canada geese, ducks, and other migratory birds such as sandhill cranes and shorebirds use these areas as they pass through the Refuge on their annual migrations. <P>