Wildlife watching

Whether you're interested in insects, mammals, birds or wildflowers, the refuge provides a wide array of opportunities to spot wildlife in their element.

Hours

Daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. 

Know Before You Go

• Please refer to the full list of refuge rules and policies before visiting.
• Various wildlife-related programs are offered throughout the year. These programs are free and open to all ages.
• Wildlife is most active during the early morning and evening hours, making these the best times for viewing.
• Merlin, eBird and iNaturalist can be good resources to help with wildlife observation.

Points of Interest

• The refuge has three wildlife observation decks - two along the Platte River Trail and one at the Sedge Meadows Trail and Overlook. 
• The Platte River Trail provides opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, throughout multiple different habitats, while enjoying a leisurely hike. 
• Keep an eye out for waterfowl on the river and Rice Lake, bald eagles in the sky and white-tailed deer in the oak savanna. 
• Driving county and township roads between refuge units can be a great way to view wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle.

Seasons of Wildlife

Spring

During the spring, the refuge begins to wake up from the long winter. Grasses green up and early flowers, such as prairie violet, begin to bloom and add color to the landscape. American woodcocks perform their courtship displays of sky dancing at dawn and dusk. Bald eagles, year round residents, can be seen tending to their nests as spring progresses. At the peak of migration, the refuge offers great opportunities to view many migrating songbirds and waterfowl. Ticks are not exempt from this revival on life and can be thick in the spring through early summer. Listen for the thrilling unison call of sandhill cranes.

Summer

Summer ushers in more blooming flowers, baby animals and a multitude of insects. Many species are bringing new life into the world as summer arrives. By mid-summer, observant visitors may be treated to the sight of one or two rusty-colored sandhill crane colts, following their parents and learning to forage on insects and invertebrates. Fawns can be seen in the prairie and oak savanna following mom around. Juvenile eagles begin learning to fly. With eight active eagles’ nests within 3 miles of the refuge boundary, there are great opportunities to spot eagles flying in the sky. Eastern bluebirds, common inhabitants of the refuge, can be seen flying around looking for insects to eat. This well-known species is a focal point for the spring habitat day event, where people can make their own bluebird houses to put up at home.

Fall

Fall is a transition time at the refuge, offering spectacular color. The reddish hue of big bluestem, golden glow from aspen and the dark reds of the bur oaks, provides a perfect backdrop. In early fall, many species are on their southward migration, resulting in more opportunities to view many species of songbirds and waterfowl. Wood ducks are one of the earlier migrants for waterfowl. Get to the refuge before the end of September to see these birds in beautiful plumage. Many other species of waterfowl can be found utilizing area lakes and rivers. White-tailed deer, year round residents, are commonly seen early in the fall, before hunting season. Along the edge of wetlands and woodlands and in the oak savanna are good areas to spot deer.

Winter

Winter brings large changes to the landscape. Snow covers the ground, and the lakes and rivers freeze. Trumpeter swans are commonly observed in early winter, before the Platte River freezes over. If conditions are just right and pockets of the river stay open, these birds can be observed all winter long. Spotting a river otter can be a real treat. Otters and their signs are commonly spotted along the edge of the Platte River. Look for the characteristic hop and slide tracks in the snow to locate the areas they use. Winter is not often thought of as the time to go birding. While the refuge does not host the variety of species that other time of years hold, many common winter inhabits can be spotted at the refuge including blue jays, crows, black capped chickadees, white breasted nuthatches and downy woodpeckers.