Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

Share your comments on Facebook or email us at roadfronts@gmail.com

Nestled in west central North Dakota is the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge. It is named for famed naturalist and artist John James Audubon. By far the biggest feature here is the lake, which is only separated from Lake Sakakawea by a causeway for the major highway in this area. While no culverts connect the two lakes, a pumping station from Lake Sakakawea keeps a constant level in Lake Audubon, providing crucial nesting habitat for thousands of birds on over one hundred islands.

We stopped at the Visitor Center to browse the exhibits on prairie wetlands, grassland habitat, migratory birds, John James Audubon, and the history of the Refuge. After talking with a Fish and Wildlife officer, we decided to drive the the 8-mile refuge auto-tour.

This tour takes you along the south edge of Lake Audubon through the grasslands and prairie wetlands. Although it is a gravel road, we were the only visitors so dust was not an issue. It was a little disappointing that we did not see more wildlife, but it was mid-day as we got a late start. We did see several birds, such as blackbirds, killdeer, geese and baby ducks swimming with their mamas.

Riprap borders most every edge of the lake creating islands, channels, bays and coves. Islands keep away land predators, coves provide calmer waters to protect from the wind and waves, while the bays and channels connect their infrastructure. Whether conventionally or through the ice, bass, walleye, perch, musky and pike fishing is allowed as well as hunting for upland birds and deer during their respective seasons.

A few fluffy clouds on a mostly sunny day made it quite the pleasant outing. Ample prairie wildflowers displayed their colors along the route. As it was quite windy, most flower pictures were out of focus or with high motion, but we managed to capture a few that turned out.

While we overall enjoyed the experience, we should have gotten there earlier. The dogs wouldn't eat their breakfast, which delayed us from hitting the road. Maybe next time?