Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Day County, South Dakota.
Waubay National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Day County covering about 4,650 acres of wetlands, native tallgrass prairie, and bur oak forest. These varied habitats support more than 240 bird species that reside or pass through throughout the year.
The refuge was established in 1935 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect migratory birds. Its creation was part of a broader effort to preserve the natural diversity of the Prairie Pothole Region.
The name comes from the Dakota word 'wabe', meaning a place where many birds build their nests. You can observe these nesting areas, particularly during breeding season when activity peaks around the shallow waters and grasslands.
The refuge is open during daylight hours and offers a 1.5-mile hiking trail from the headquarters area and a 110-foot observation tower for wildlife viewing. An information center provides guidance and helps visitors understand what to look for throughout the property.
The refuge sits at a crossroads where animal and plant species from different geographic regions meet and overlap. This unusual location allows visitors to observe species that typically inhabit separate ecosystems existing together in one place.
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