Winter Wildlife At National Wildlife Refuges

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture
Feb 05, 2014 / 0 comments

Despite blizzards and Arctic blasts, nature hasn’t deserted us. An “irruption” of snowy owls has produced sightings on refuges as far south as Florida. Eagle watchers are checking refuge nests for new chicks. Forays into snow-covered refuges reveal tracks of deer, rabbit, and otter.  

 

A snowy owl flies over Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, MN. Sightings of the large-winged white birds are causing excitement this winter at many national wildlife refuges. Credit: Lee Kensinger

A snowy owl flies over Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, MN. Sightings of the large-winged white birds are causing excitement this winter at many national wildlife refuges. Credit: Lee Kensinger

 

Even in the heart of winter, there’s much to enjoy on national wildlife refuges. Take your pick from a host of special refuge events – from snowshoe hikes to bird festivals.

Here at Wandering Educators, we LOVE National Wildlife Refuges. We've shared How (and Why) to Include National Wildlife Refuges in your Travel Plans, a Kaleidescope of Color at National Wildlife Refuges, and Winter Adds Fun at National Wildlife Refuges, among other articles here.

 

Visit a refuge and learn how the Refuge System is protecting your natural heritage.

 

February 2014 Events
 

A bald eagle gives a fierce stare from its perch at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, IL. Eagle tours are popular offerings this month at many refuges, including Sequoyah and Wichita Mountains Refuges. Credit: Jody Fenton, 2012 photo contest entry, Two Rivers Refuge

A bald eagle gives a fierce stare from its perch at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, IL. Eagle tours are popular offerings this month at many refuges, including Sequoyah and Wichita Mountains Refuges. Credit: Jody Fenton, 2012 photo contest entry, Two Rivers Refuge

 

March 2014 Events

 

National Wildlife Refuge - birthday! Celebration is in order for the 111th birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System on March 14. Members of a mountain goat research crew show how they feel about their work at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, AK. Credit: USFWS

Celebration is in order for the 111th birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System on March 14. Members of a mountain goat research crew show how they feel about their work at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, AK. Credit: USFWS

 

April 2014 Events

 

A volunteer helps restore habitat at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, TX. Many national wildlife refuges are planning volunteer activities and celebrations this month to mark Earth Day on April 22. Credit: Steve Hillebrand/USFWS

A volunteer helps restore habitat at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, TX. Many national wildlife refuges are planning volunteer activities and celebrations this month to mark Earth Day on April 22. Credit: Steve Hillebrand/USFWS
 

 

 

 

All information contained herein provided by the National Wildlife Refuge System - thank you!