Yellow-bellied and spotted turtles are commonly seen in ditches throughout the refuge. An additional 56 species of turtles, lizards, salamanders, frogs, and toads have been observed on the refuge. Great horned owls incubate eggs in late January and February. Red maple trees flower in February. Waterfowl migrate with some stopping over on Lake Drummond.
Wood ducks pair up and search for nest cavities.
Spring Dwarf trilliums bloom in mid-March. Wood ducks incubate their eggs in April. Migrating songbirds peak early in May, with warblers being most abundant. Occasional ospreys visit the lake. Orchids, coral honeysuckle, yellow jessamine, and yellow poplar are in flower.