Seasons of Wildlife
Spring
In early spring, the wildflowers appear. Frogs can be heard in large quantities. Hibernating snakes emerge from their locations and travel to the wetlands. Watch for migrating snakes on the roads.
Later in the spring songbirds and wading birds flock to the marshes and bottomland forests of the refuge. Young bald eagles can be seen flapping their wings on the edge of the nests in preparation for their first flight.
Summer
During the summer months, look for wood duck broods as they learn how to swim on the refuge ditches. Great blue herons and great egrets congregate in shallow pools and fields. Turtles are often seen crossing the roads in search of mates and nesting areas.
Fawns with their mothers can be seen grazing and frolicking. The open fields are opportune places to catch a glimpse. The best time to view wildlife in the summer heat is early in the morning or just before dusk in the evening.
Fall
Fall colors erupt on the refuge. Bright oranges, vibrant yellows and all the shades of glimmering gold highlight the refuge. Fall also marks the time of the migration. In late fall, the waterfowl and eagles start arriving on the refuge in search of food.
Winter
Birds are everywhere on the refuge during the winter months. Waterfowl are here to stay over the cold months or migrating through to warmer places. Moist soil units are ready to serve the hungry ducks and geese.
The refuge serves as a wintering ground for Canada geese and tundra swan. Both species can be readily observed in huge concentrations.