Montezuma Refugespring migration
Warblers peak in mid-May, and the Esker Brook Trails are the best place to see them, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Montezuma Refuge · September
- Fall shorebirds, mid-August to mid-October (peak in September) · Aug–Oct
- Wildlife Drive and visitor center open daily · Apr–Nov
214days to the next spring migration seasonmid-May, local timing
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Seneca Trail closed for bald eagle protectionJan–Aug
- Spring migration: Canada and snow geese in the tens of thousands, late February to AprilFeb–Apr
- Wildlife Drive and visitor center open dailyNowApr–Nov
- Shorebirds common, early May to mid-JuneMay–Jun
- May: Warblers peak in mid-MayMay
- Fall shorebirds, mid-August to mid-October (peak in September)NowAug–Oct
- Esker Brook and South Spring Pool trails closed, November 1 through the end of deer season (around mid-December)Nov–Dec
- Nov: Waterfowl numbers peak in mid-NovemberNov
Where to watch
- Esker Brook TrailsThree connecting three-quarter-mile trails (Orchard, Brook and Ridge) through woods, along a brook and around two ponds, reached from Route 89 via the South Spring Pool Trail or from Lay Road onto East Tyre Road; open sunrise to sunset, no dogs
- Wildlife DriveA one-way 3-mile drive along the Main Pool from the visitor center parking area, open daily April 1 to November 30, sunrise to sunset; vehicles only, and you stay in your car except at marked viewing areas
Montezuma Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge?
Warblers peak in mid-May, and the Esker Brook Trails are the best place to see them, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: mid-May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the spring migration season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 214 days (mid-May, local timing).
Can I bring my dog?
Only on a leash on the Seneca Trail (when it's open) and the refuge entrance road. Dogs aren't allowed on the Esker Brook or South Spring Pool trails.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk or bike the Wildlife Drive?
No. The drive is for vehicles only, with no bicycles or pedestrians, and you stay in your car until a viewing area marked with a brown and white binocular sign. Bicycling isn't allowed anywhere on the refuge.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the Seneca Trail open in spring?
No. The Seneca Trail by the visitor center is closed January 1 through August 31 to protect bald eagles, so in spring head to the Esker Brook Trails instead.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the visitor center open?
Daily from April 1 to November 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., depending on volunteer staffing. When it's closed, information is in the attached sun room and restrooms can be reached from the parking lot near the big heron sculpture.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I fly a drone?
No, drones aren't allowed on the refuge.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montezuma NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge?
Esker Brook Trails: three connecting three-quarter-mile trails (Orchard, Brook and Ridge) through woods, along a brook and around two ponds, reached from Route 89 via the South Spring Pool Trail or from Lay Road onto East Tyre Road; open sunrise to sunset, no dogs; Wildlife Drive: a one-way 3-mile drive along the Main Pool from the visitor center parking area, open daily April 1 to November 30, sunrise to sunset; vehicles only, and you stay in your car except at marked viewing areas.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge?
Seneca Trail closed for bald eagle protection (Jan–Aug); Esker Brook and South Spring Pool trails closed, November 1 through the end of deer season (around mid-December) (Nov–Dec).
What is Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Warblers peak in mid-May (May), Shorebirds common, early May to mid-June (May–Jun), Spring migration: Canada and snow geese in the tens of thousands, late February to April (Feb–Apr), Fall shorebirds, mid-August to mid-October (peak in September) (Aug–Oct), Waterfowl numbers peak in mid-November (Nov), Wildlife Drive and visitor center open daily (Apr–Nov), Seneca Trail closed for bald eagle protection (Jan–Aug) and Esker Brook and South Spring Pool trails closed, November 1 through the end of deer season (around mid-December) (Nov–Dec).