The vast expanse of wetlands in the bog and riparian zones attracts a host of waterfowl and other water birds. Several species of ducks such as the black duck, wood duck, hooded merganser, mallard, and blue-winged teal can be seen during the spring and summer. All nest on the refuge in varying mumbers. Great blue herons, American bitterns, and double-crested cormorants are three of the larger water birds which frequent the refuge. Virginia and Sora rails, spotted sandpipers, greater yellowlegs, and longbilled dowitchers are just a few of the smaller bird species found in the bog.
Maine hosts more warbler species during the year than most other states in the country.
Habitat Management for Wildlife Biodiversity and ecosystem management are two terms presently receiving a lot of attention from professional land managers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service embraces this philosophy. Thus, management of a refuge must relate to what is happening outside the boundaries of the refuge, and managers must consider effects of management activities on all species, not just one or two. Since Sunkhaze Meadows NWR is already blessed with a wide variety of habitats within its boundaries, managers have little need to change or create habitat favoring one species over another. It is the intention of the refuge staff to maintain this great diversity of habitats.