MONTEZUMA WILDLIFE DRIVE


The 4 mile (6.7 kilometer) Wildlife Drive will introduce you to the fascinating world of wetlands. Refuge wetlands provide resting, feeding and nesting habitats for numerous species of waterfowl and other types of waterbirds.

The main feature of the drive is the 1600 acre wetland which hosts a rich diversity of waterfowl, waterbirds and other wildlife. The wetland pools are only about 1.5 feet in depth, carefully managed for an optimum mix of of submerged aquatic plants, emergent plants and open water. This mix creates habitat for resting, feeding, nesting and the rearing of young.

The large pool on the left side of the Drive has been drained. This is done periodically to allow sunlight to reach the marsh floor so plants can germinate and grow. This helps maintain optimum habitat for birds and other waterfowl.

Montezuma NWR Wildlife Drive

Very large numbers of Canada geese, snow geese and ducks visit Montezuma during spring and fall. Tundra swans also use the refuge during the same periods. Mallards, American black ducks, blue-winged and green-winged teal, American wigeon, northern shovelers and wood ducks are frequent dabbling duck species. Common diving ducks are canvasbacks, scaup, ringnecks, redheads and common and hooded mergansers. Great blue herons, green herons, American coots, moorhens, bitterns and other birds are frequently seen along the drive. A complete bird list of Montezuma is available at the Refuge Visitor Center.

The Wildlife Drive is open most of the year with the exception of winter, when the road may not be passable. Call the Refuge (315-568-5987) for current information. The drive is open to automobiles only. Except for the designated observation areas, please remain in your car in order to reduce the disturbance to wildlife.