Wildlife Observation Building:
The most popular wildlife observation facility on the Refuge is the Wildlife Observation Building, which is located just a short walk from the Visitor Center. This facility receives an estimated 40,000 visitors annually. Built on a knoll overlooking a waterfowl impoundment, it offers visitors the opportunity to see waterfowl and other wildlife up close and personal. Spotting scope stations are provided but they are often occupied so visitors’ are encouraged to bring binoculars.
To create more attractive conditions for waterfowl, the Display Pool at the Wildlife Observation Building is drained each summer. Following drawdown, wading birds and shorebirds use the area in large numbers for foraging on small fish and other organisms. Aquatic vegetation growing in the display pool by late summer is used by thousands of ducks for foraging throughout fall and winter months.
A Backyard Wildlife Habitat Area on the south side of the Wildlife Observation Building attracts chickadees, goldfinches, house and purple finches, tufted titmice, sparrows, and hummingbirds to feeders. A man-made pond/waterfall provides habitat for native frogs, fish, and plants.
