Features
Sage Grouse
Sage Grouse hens convene at the local lek in the spring to watch males display and strut their stuff.
Ruddy Duck
Male Ruddy Ducks are easily distinguishible by their large, bright, blue bills in spring and summer.
Killdeer and Eggs
Eggs laid in gravel blend well with their surroundings, but have little other cover to protect them from predation.
Wildlife Viewing
This White Wagtail was the first recorded sighting in Nevada. What will you see birdwatching at Ruby Lake?
Snakes
Please drive slowly and watch for snakes migrating across the roads.
Why we are here
"...for use as ... a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife." Executive Order 7923, July 2, 1938
"...for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds." 16 U.S.C. § 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act)
See the refuge Vision StatementAbout 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
View photos of the refuge and its residents.
View the Galleries
What techniques and tools are used to help keep the refuge pristine?
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This is a good starting point to your Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge adventure.
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Work is ongoing to provide a historic walk at the Fort Ruby site on the south end of the Refuge.
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Relict Dace, the only native species of fish at Ruby Lake, has reduced and hybridized populations due to introduction of several non-native species. A project is underway to preserve the biological integrity of the Relict Dace.
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Page Photo Credits — All photos courtesy of USFWS unless otherwise noted., White-faced Ibis and Black-necked Stilts by Sara Wittenberg
Last Updated: Feb 08, 2013