Bird watchers take advantage of 'bonus weekend' at wildlife refuge
CARROLL TOWNSHIP - Despite chilly temperatures, the sun was shining bright as dozens of bird watchers flocked to the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge to take advantage of the “bonus” opening this past weekend.
Staff of the refuge opened up its wildlife drive on Saturday and Sunday from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors to get closer looks throughout the lush natural wetlands off the western coast of Lake Erie.
The wildlife drive, which is otherwise typically opened for weekends on a monthly basis during this time of year, was offered in what Aimee Arent, executive director of the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, described as an “unheard of bonus weekend,” drawing a steady stream of vehicles from the public throughout the daylight hours.