Necedah Refugespring migration
Warblers arrive with May, as the tree buds turn to leaves, per the Fish and Wildlife Service's seasons of wildlife. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Necedah Refuge · September
- Fall waterfowl migration peaks (September to November); the last cranes, ducks and swans leave by mid-November · Sep–Nov
- Visitor center on its longer summer schedule, Monday to Friday, May to November · May–Nov
214days to the next spring migration seasonwith May, local timing
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Mar: Waterfowl begin to return in mid-March, while ice still covers the wetlandsMar
- Mar: Cranes begin to return in mid-MarchMar
- Visitor center on its longer summer schedule, Monday to Friday, May to NovemberNowMay–Nov
- Karner blue butterflies on the flowers, late May to late July and into early AugustMay–Aug
- May: Warblers arrive with MayMay
- Fall waterfowl migration peaks (September to November); the last cranes, ducks and swans leave by mid-NovemberNowSep–Nov
Where to watch
- Observation Tower TrailA one-mile trail along the shore of Rynearson Pool 1, north of Grand Dike Road (20th Street), with a two-story Civilian Conservation Corps tower and viewing scope; yellow and black-and-white warblers are among its birding highlights
- Visitor Center TrailThe easy, accessible Muskrat Loop (a quarter mile, with viewing scopes over the wetland) and the longer Karner Loop through forest and savanna, starting at the visitor center; golden-winged warbler is among its birding highlights
Necedah Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Necedah NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Necedah NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge?
Warblers arrive with May, as the tree buds turn to leaves, per the Fish and Wildlife Service's seasons of wildlife: with May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the spring migration season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 214 days (with May, local timing).
Does it cost anything to visit?
No, there is no charge to visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Necedah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the hours?
Refuge lands and trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday from May to November and Tuesday to Thursday from December to April, and closed on federal holidays. Hours can change, so it's worth calling 608-565-2551 ahead.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Necedah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there an auto tour?
There's no marked auto tour route, but township roads cross the refuge and make good wildlife viewing from your car. Many are seasonal or under construction, so call the visitor center at 608-565-2551 for current road conditions and routes.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Necedah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there restrooms after hours?
Yes. Indoor restrooms are open when the visitor center is, and after-hours restrooms on the west end of the building are open sunrise to sunset all year.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Necedah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Water every time, layers (May mornings can need a hat and gloves, afternoons can be warm), bug spray or a head net, and snacks, since no food or drinks are sold at the visitor center. Cell coverage is not great across the refuge, so tell someone your plan.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Necedah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Necedah National Wildlife Refuge?
Observation Tower Trail: a one-mile trail along the shore of Rynearson Pool 1, north of Grand Dike Road (20th Street), with a two-story Civilian Conservation Corps tower and viewing scope; yellow and black-and-white warblers are among its birding highlights; Visitor Center Trail: the easy, accessible Muskrat Loop (a quarter mile, with viewing scopes over the wetland) and the longer Karner Loop through forest and savanna, starting at the visitor center; golden-winged warbler is among its birding highlights.
What is Necedah National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Waterfowl begin to return in mid-March, while ice still covers the wetlands (Mar), Cranes begin to return in mid-March (Mar), Warblers arrive with May (May), Karner blue butterflies on the flowers, late May to late July and into early August (May–Aug), Fall waterfowl migration peaks (September to November); the last cranes, ducks and swans leave by mid-November (Sep–Nov) and Visitor center on its longer summer schedule, Monday to Friday, May to November (May–Nov).