Although the refuge is closed to hiking, visitors may bird watch from the observation tower. The most commonly seen birds are waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds, including several species of herons and egrets, Canada geese, white-fronted geese, and snow geese. Ten or more species of ducks may be seen during the winter months, as waterfowl flock to the sanctuary of the refuge's moist soil units. With over 10,000 birds during the peak of the winter season, visitors can see large numbers of mallards, green-winged teal, and gadwell with several other species of diving and dabbling ducks in lesser numbers.