Depending upon the season, bird populations vary greatly in abundance and diversity. Large concentrations of waterfowl visit the refuge during spring and fall migrations - a portion of these remain throughout the breeding season.  A total of 246 bird species have been observed on the refuge, including 40 accidentals. At least 76 species have been documented as nesting at Modoc with another 18 species suspected of nesting. 

Recent Waterfowl Survey 

A wide range of mammals can be spotted on the Refuge. Their behavior and visibility changes with the seasons because some species hibernate in winter or remain out of sight in tunnels under the snow. However, many can be seen with their young in the spring and summer.

Reptiles usually live on drier sites while amphibians live in water and on land. Both hibernate in winter and are usually seen from spring through fall. Most are small reclusive animals not highly visible to the refuge visitor. Snakes can sometimes be seen crossing roadways, lizards frequent shrub uplands, turtles can be seen sunbathing in waterways, and frogs can be seen scurrying back to the water when they are disturbed.

A vast array of fascinating insects can be found flying, crawling or swimming all over Modoc NWR. Watch for dragonflies ‘hawking' over ponds looking for prey, butterflies 'nectaring' on flowers, and beetles and spiders scurrying across the ground.

The refuge offers a great opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography from the auto tour route and photography blind in the refuge closed zone. The three mile auto tour route wraps around the Teal Pond and is an excellent place to see a variety of birds and mammals year round. Near the end of the tour route there is a parking space and paved walking trail which is a great place to get out and stretch your legs while walking in a wetland setting. The blind offers multiple slots for a 360 degree viewing window, and is located in one of our most popular wetland units. The blind can be reserved year round by calling the refuge at (530) 233-3572.

A larger photo of the viewing blind is available in the Refuge Photo Gallery.