This refuge ( Middle Creek ) is real favorite of those who like to see lots of birds! Once can visit here at the right time of the year and see literally tens of thousands of birds, various waterfowl resting in the lake after foraging in surrounding fields on their way north or south. It is staggering to see 5,000 Arctic swans (two in flight ) coming in to roost on a late spring afternoon, and this sight is common here. As is our custom, though, we decided to come during a time when no birds and, hopefully, few people, would be here. The tour road through the refuge closes in September, and, although the parking lots and center are open, the hordes that descend were, indeed, absent.
We had intermittent sunshine and clouds and, aside from a man picking up acorns (“to feed the squirrels in February,” he told us), we saw no one else. The trails in these 5,000 acres are plentiful and well-marked, allowing all-day or shorter jaunts.
Temperature – 66 F
Weather – Mostly Cloudy
Trail Surface – Woodsy path with some large rocks and roots. This is not suitable for anything but the hardiest mountain biker.
Flora – There were great Fall colors with huge fields of Goldenrod and milkweed pods exploding much to the delight of those red and black bugs pictured above. A few bees buzzed on the remaining wildflowers.
Fauna – The usual squirrels, robins, Blue Jays, nuthatches, and chickadees, the latter scolding us for no apparent reason!
Facilities – Bathrooms at the visitors Center and picnic tables, some with grills, scattered pleasingly along the trails.
Other People Seen – None on the trail.
We had a wonderful time spending about 3 hours just soaking up the woods.
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