Wertheim Refugewinter wildlife
At Wertheim Refuge, late October through early April are the best times to see waterfowl, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Right now at Wertheim Refuge
Right now in Wertheim Refuge · September
- Ospreys along the Carmans River, March to September · Mar–Sep
- Migrating tree swallows over the river in late September · Sep
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Black Tupelo Trail and its Carmans River overlooksA 3.3-mile trail from the visitor center along the east side of the Carmans River; the four river overlooks are the refuge's hot spots, and waterfowl can be seen from the trail
- White Oak Nature TrailA 1.25-mile short loop or a 2-mile long loop; waterfowl and wading birds can be seen from it, and there are restrooms at its start
Nearby
- Morton Refuge30 miLate October through early April
- Forsythe Refuge124 miDecember through FebruarySatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Great Meadows Refuge136 miNovemberSatSlight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
- Bombay Hook173 miNovember (the peak) and DecemberSatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Eastern Neck Refuge216 mimid- to late November to the end of MarchSatPartly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
- Rachel Carson Refuge221 mibeginning in early July and continuing through early NovemberSatSlight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
The year at Wertheim Refuge
- Ospreys along the Carmans River, March to SeptemberNowMar–Sep
- Box turtles out on the roadways and trails, May through AugustMay–Aug
- Jun: Wood ducks nest along the river in JuneJun
- Sep: Migrating tree swallows over the river in late SeptemberNowSep
- Best times to see waterfowl: late October through early AprilOct–Apr
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge?
At Wertheim Refuge, late October through early April are the best times to see waterfowl, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Late October through early April. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: its usual winter wildlife window for this year has passed. Next time: Late October through early April, local timing.
Which ducks might I see in winter?
Bufflehead and coot near the river's mouth, black ducks and Canada geese where the ice gives way to open water, and hooded and common mergansers along the brackish and salty stretches of the river.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Does the river freeze?
In some years the bay and parts of the river freeze over; that's when black ducks and Canada geese gather at the open water.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are waterfowl numbers highest?
The refuge says waterfowl numbers peak in the winter, within its best viewing season of late October through early April.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I ski or snowshoe the trails?
Yes: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are among the refuge's listed activities. The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge?
Black Tupelo Trail and its Carmans River overlooks: a 3.3-mile trail from the visitor center along the east side of the Carmans River; the four river overlooks are the refuge's hot spots, and waterfowl can be seen from the trail; White Oak Nature Trail: a 1.25-mile short loop or a 2-mile long loop; waterfowl and wading birds can be seen from it, and there are restrooms at its start.
What is Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Ospreys along the Carmans River, March to September (Mar–Sep), Box turtles out on the roadways and trails, May through August (May–Aug), Wood ducks nest along the river in June (Jun), Migrating tree swallows over the river in late September (Sep) and Best times to see waterfowl: late October through early April (Oct–Apr).