Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Seasons, weather, and water levels will influence what species of wildlife you will encounter on your visit.  Over 278 species of bird have been recorded - 70 of which nest and raise their young here.  Spring and fall are the best times to see unusual migrants.  Exposed shorelines attract many shorebirds such as Wilson's phalarope, American avocet, yellowlegs, Long-billed dowitcher, and Spotted sandpiper. Several thousand ducks, geese, and cranes occupy the refuge in late fall and winter.  In the summer, grasshopper, savanna, vesper, lark, and Cassin's sparrows are numerous. The colorful plumage and call of the Western meadowlarks can be enjoyed year-round. Raptors soaring overhead are plentiful. Watch for Bald and Golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, red-tailed hawks, Swainson's hawks, prairie and Peregrine falcons.  Elk, Pronghorn, Mule deer, and White-tailed deer can often be seen browsing in the fields.