Several thousand tundra swans mark the beginning of the end of migration. Refuge grasslands take on their subtle, but beautiful, fall colors. Great horned owls often move into shelterbelts in winter. Other hardy raptors seen occasionally include goshawks, rough-legged hawks and snowy owls. Few songbirds are present, but include horned larks, longspurs, chickadees and sometimes snow buntings.
Shrikes are more common than at other times of the year.
Bird and other wildlife tracks left in the snow add interest to a bleak, yet beautiful landscape. Your vehicle makes a good blind to observe most marsh and grassland species. Early morning and evening hours are best since wildlife is most active then. Slowly walking along refuge shelterbelts is a good way to see sparrows and other songbirds. Much of the refuge is open to birding, but check the Public Use Regulations designed to protect sensitive areas.