The refuge is a prime spot for birding all year. On Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive (Railroad Ditch entrance) you may see waterfowl and wading birds along the ditches, and in wintertime tundra swans and snow geese may be seen resting on Lake Drummond. South Ditch, a trail off Wildlife Drive, is great for spotting marsh birds.
Due to the vehicle traffic on Wildlife Drive, many birders prefer visiting the quieter trails within Jericho Lane entrance or the Washington Ditch entrance for waterfowl and songbirds. Black Bear Trail, a rustic 3-mile footpath at the Portsmouth Ditch entrance, is a great option for venturing further off the beaten path.