Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to relax and take a breather. A hundred thousand or so birds think so too. During the spring migration, more than 100,000 birds have been documented at the refuge. Some birds view Sand Lake as more than a rest stop. Over 100 different species nest and raise their young on the refuge. In addition, 266 bird species, 40 mammal species, and a variety of fish, reptile, and amphibian species can be found on the refuge during different times of the year.

The spring migration has its own dedicated day: Migratory Bird Day. The migration is celebrated on the second Saturday of May. This year, that will be May 9. This year’s theme “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter,” highlights the importance of public participation in collecting data on the birds.

Sand Lake doesn’t have a formal event planned for the day, but the public is welcome to visit and observe the migration any time. Sand Lake has a good variety of birds that pass through, said Shilo Comeau, Station Manager for Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

“This time of year, especially in May, there’s a lot of waterfowl that are coming through,” said Shilo. “But you also start to see shorebirds, some colonial nesting birds, marsh birds, and, of course, hawks, and a lot of grassland birds. It’s a great time to watch birds that are moving through.”

The refuge was created in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds. Almost half of the 21,498-acre refuge is the namesake body of water: Sand Lake. While migratory birds are a main focus, visitors can enjoy what the refuge calls the “Big Six”: hunting, fishing, photography, wildlife observation, wildlife interpretation, and education.

“There’s always some portion of the refuge that is designated to provide refuge and habitat for migratory birds,” said Shilo, “We have activities available to the public, but our primary goal is to provide habitat for migratory bird species.”

Sand Lake can be explored on foot or in a vehicle. There are walking trails and picnic areas, as well as an observation tower for visitors on foot. The Wildlife Drive is 13.5 miles and has 10 stops with different learning and observation opportunities. The drive takes about an hour.

Visitors wanting more in-depth information can stop at the Visitor Center. The Center is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. all year round.

“Anybody interested in coming to the refuge and learning more can talk to one of the staff members and we’d be happy to help you learn more about the refuge system, habitats, and migratory bird species,” Shilo said