Unfortunately for visitors wishing to see large numbers of waterfowl, the major concentration aras of the refuge is closed to all public entry during the fall and winter to provide the undisturbed sanctuary the birds need. Good viewing, however, of the thousands of ducks and gese using Royal Lake is available from the overlook at the south end of Byers Road.
During the spring and summer, almost the entire refuge is open to the public and wildlife viewing is best. Mallards, gadwalls, cinnamon teal, redheads, and ruddy ducks are the most common warm weather ducks and nest on the refuge. American coots, though not waterfowl, are also abundant nesters. The pugnacious behaviour of nesting coots keeps the summer marsh lively.
Unfortunately for visitors wishing to see large numbers of waterfowl, the major concentration aras of the refuge is closed to all public entry during the fall and winter to provide the undisturbed sanctuary the birds need. Good viewing, however, of the thousands of ducks and gese using Royal Lake is available from the overlook at the south end of Byers Road.