The Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge is hosting their annual fall migration bus tours this weekend, and according to Refuge Manager Cathy Nigg, the two tours are full. The refuge is normally closed during the fall to allow a more peaceful environment for the wildlife, but every year they open it back up for the bus tours. Nigg said they began advertising for the event in early October, and word spread fast because this is the first time she can remember they’ve filled every seat for both tours. While she says there’s no room left on the tour, refuge headquarters will be open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday. People can see many migrating birds from the overlook, and they can also walk the trail. She adds, if people want to come and see if any seats open up on the tours, they are welcome to do so.

Nigg is excited they had so much interest in the event, and feels it’s a good problem to have. However, she says they will look into possibly adding another bus for next year’s event. Attendees can expect to see several species of migrating waterfowl, whitetail deer including the possibility of bucks, bald eagles, and coyotes. Nigg says the wildlife seen will depend on the weather, and there will be a biologist and other staff members from the refuge on hand to identify animals. For more information or to see if any space has opened on the tours, call the Port Louisa Refuge at 319-523-6982.