A valuable wintering area for migrating waterfowl, thousands of ducks and geese over-winter on Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge every year. Located in Randall County in the Texas Panhandle, the refuge is made up of 7,664 acres of shortgrass prairie, riparian, marsh, woodland and cropland habitats. Maintaining these habitats provide homes for migratory and resident wildlife species.

Riparian areas, consisting of trees and grasses adjacent the dry lake bed, provide habitat used for feeding and nesting by neotropical migratory birds, deer, and numerous other wildlife species.

Wildlife food crops are planted in the dry lake bottom by cooperative farming. The crops are used by wildlife for food and the mix of crops, stubble, and natural plants provide nesting and winter cover for migratory and resident wildlife.

Buffalo Lake NWR contains some of the best remaining shortgrass prairie in the United States, including 175 acres designated a National Natural Landmark. Shortgrass prairie ecosystems were historically maintained by annual grazing of migrating American bison. With the bison gone, this ecosystem is maintained by grazing cattle.

Waterfowl habitat is provided by a moist soil management unit located in Stewart Marsh. Flooded each spring, the unit slowly dries, promoting growth of aquatic waterfowl food plants. The unit is flooded again in fall just before the ducks arrive. The result is food and cover for water birds seeking a rest stop. Additional wildlife water is found in artificial ponds and water tanks.

Buffalo Lake NWR rests in the Central Flyway, a route traveled annually by numerous species of waterfowl and other birds, moving between tropical wintering and U.S. nesting areas. One particular group of birds, called neotropical migrants, passes through the refuge each spring and fall with many remaining to nest. Although many neotropical species have declined over the years, over 300 species have been recorded on the refuge. Neotropical migratory birds are the warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, orioles, sparrows, and numerous others that provide color and song in the trees.

The refuge also provides habitat for endangered species including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and mountain plovers. Resident species include both mule and white-tailed deer, prairie dogs, bobcats, coyotes, wild turkey, pheasants, quail, rabbits and many others.