Features
Shoreline of Lake 13
Horizon view of Lake 13 shoreline at dawn. Fishing is allowed from March 1st to October 31st on the Lake.
Refuge Fishing Season Has Begun!
Reflection above Lake 14
Reflection of snow capped mountains seen in the crystal clear waters of Lake 14. Fishing is allowed from March 1st to October 31st.
Enlarged scenic photograph of Lake 14 reflection
Bobcat
The bobcat is the most abundant wildcat in the United States. They are named for their "bobbed" tails. Their ears resemble the lynx.
Wildlife
Agricultural fields near Lake 13
Landscape view of a Refuge crop field in the foreground of Lake 13. Fishing is allowed from March 1st to October 31st on this Lake.
Resource Management
Sunday storm over the refuge
Summer rainfall in the distance moving in over the refuge makes for a cool overcast and good time to enjoy the outdoors.
Seasons of Wildlife
Enhancing Your Visitor Experience!
Our auto tour route has improved! Winding through the refuge, the 10 mile loop has several pullouts for visitors to hike, observe, and learn about refuge wildlife. Take in the beautiful vistas from Lake 13, listen to the songbirds fleeting through the cottonwoods as you hike one of our newest trails, feel the wind while walking the new Prairie Path or sit and watch the black-tailed prairie dogs foraging in the shadow of the highest peak in New Mexico, Wheeler’s Peak. Maps are available at the visitor center.
For more information, Contact Us.About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Refuge Habitat Increases Survival
Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Central Flyway, a route traveled annually by numerous species of waterfowl and other migratory birds. Many of the most common birds on the refuge are considered grassland-dependent species. Grassland birds, many of which are experiencing population declines throughout their ranges, rely upon the short-grass prairie habitat of the refuge for their survival. Maxwell supports some of the highest densities of the grasshopper sparrow in the state of New Mexico.
Photo Gallery of Migratory Birds
"Like the resource it seeks to protect, wildlife conservation must be dynamic, changing as conditions change, seeking always to become more effective." - Rachel Carson. Photograph of grasshopper sparrow by Robert Shantz ©
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Page Photo Credits — Northern shovelers/Bennette Jenkins, Sunflower field at Lake 13/Benny Tanner ©, Grasshopper sparrow/Robert Shantz ©, Bald eagle/Leann Wilkins, All photos courtesy of USFWS unless otherwise noted.
Last Updated: Feb 27, 2013