Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Image Details

At Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, there are a myriad of activities to participate in, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife and plant viewing, interpretation, environmental education, and photography. Dependent on the season, birding and wildlife watching opportunities will vary.

Spring

One of the most welcoming sights of spring is the lavender-blue pasque flower blooming on the hillsides, sometimes even in the snow. Spring also brings the sound of the sandhill cranes as they stop to rest on their way north. Even an occasional endangered whooping crane will stop by for a visit. April and May will find the sharp-tailed grouse doing their mating dance in their leks. And in late spring, the western grebes begin their mating ritual by water weaving in synchronized pairs across the water.

Image Details

Summer

Summer is the time for prairies to come alive with wild flowers. The lemon-yellow narrow leafed puccoon, the mustard colored western wallflower, the dark red to orange scarlet mallow, the tall stately purple prairie coneflower, and the North Dakota state flower - the wild prairie rose  are just a few of the blooms you might see on the Long Lake Refuge and the Wetland Management District.

Early June will offer the first opportunity to observe newborn white-tailed fawns. In July, Canada geese will be grouping on large lakes in preparation for their flightless period during their molt. By late summer you'll see migrating shorebirds on the wetlands with exposed mudflats. The roadsides will be white with astors and some dried up wetlands will look bright red with the red samphire in full bloom, the prairie birds will be migrating through from the northern breeding area.

Autumn

Image Details

Autumn is a spectacular season as days turn cooler and the skies are filled with sandhill cranes, shorebirds, ducks, geese, swans, and pelicans. Occasionally endangered whooping cranes stop in the area to feed and rest before heading south. Late fall will usually find Mother Nature telling the birds to move on. Although most small birds go south as the days start getting shorter, some birds like geese and some ducks need some cold snowy weather to let them know its time to go. Prairie grasses and the trees turn from green to shades of gold as winter snows are soon to come.

Winter

Winter does not mean the Refuge is barren of life and covered with snow. A few hardy birds, such as ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, gray partridge, wild turkey, great horned owl, snowy owl, horned lark, snow bunting, large numbers of white-tailed deer, coyote, and cottontail rabbit are just some of the wildlife that spend the winter here. Sometimes the deep white snow will tempt snowmobiles to come onto the Refuge, but the Refuge is off limits to snowmobiles and any off-road vehicles to better enable wildlife to survive the rigors of winter. Winter can be tough on wildlife and only the strongest survive. Yet winter can be beautiful too, as we listen to the howl of the coyote or the hooting of the great horned owl in the stillness of a long winter night or see the diamond crystals sparkling on freshly laid snow. To see the sundogs around the sun on a crisp, clear day and to know that spring will be arriving soon with the promise of new life.

When planning a trip to the refuge, it is important to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and birding excursions and to dress for the weather. Wood ticks are often present in grassland areas from spring to mid-summer. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and anything else that might make your outdoor experience more enjoyable. It is also a good idea to inform friends or family if you will be exploring alone. Maps, brochures and general information are available at the refuge headquarters.