Brazoria NWR has been designated as an internationally significant shorebird site by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. Wading and shorebirds such as herons, ibis, gulls, terns, snipe, avocets, sandpipers, and stilts are common. Uncommon birds such as yellow rails, roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, whitefaced ibis, double-crested cormorants, American bitterns, wood storks, and common gallinules can be observed. The refuge also supports numerous alligators, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders, lizards, and turtles. The upland prairies support sandhill cranes, quail, doves, hawks, and owls.
Visitors can see abundant signs of coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, otters, and armadillos.
In the summer the refuge is open the first full weekend of the month and intermittently throughout the week. Wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities available at the refuge include an auto tour, fishing, hunting, bird watching, photography, and general nature observation. Also, school children can learn from hands-on experience during outdoor classrooms held at the Refuge by their teachers. Tours may be arranged for organized groups by calling the Angleton office for reservations. On the Big Slough Auto Tour , over 7 miles of gravel roads and ten interpretive stops are provided in a variety of wildlife habitats.