Hagerman NWR Tours, an Excellent Opportunity

Barbara Hibberd, Class of 2023

I would strongly recommend the Hagerman Tram Tours for AT or for iNaturalist field work. My husband and I participated in the tour on Saturday, December 28.

From mid December to mid February Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is the winter home for flocks of thousands of Snow Geese (both white and blue morphs) and Ross’ geese. Fields of winter wheat have been planted specifically attract the geese. Many other migratory ducks, shorebirds, songbirds and birds of prey reside there as well.

The tour starts at the Visitors’ Center located at 6465 Refuge Road, about an hour north of the Metroplex near Sherman. Upon entering the Visitors’ Center, one can see a garden with native plants as well as sources of food and water to attract various small birds. A butterfly garden is also maintained across the parking lot from the center. Binoculars and blankets for the tram tour are available on loan. Our guide, Marnie was very knowledgeable of native plant and animal species as well as the history of the refuge. She made frequent stops to allow passengers to view and photograph the plants and wildlife. During our tour we saw pintails, shovelers, green wing teals, cormorants, blue herons and egrets along with the geese.

Tours are held every Saturday and Sunday starting at 2 PM at the Visitors’ Center except for weekends when the wildlife refuge is open for public hunting. Registration is required, as seating on the tram is limited. I’ve included the registration link below.
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