Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge lies in the high central plains of northeastern New Mexico near Maxwell in Colfax County. Established in 1965 as a feeding and resting area for migratory birds, it includes more than 350 acres planted with wheat, corn, barley, and alfalfa to support resident and migrating wildlife. The refuge is especially known for its birdlife, including sandhill cranes, ducks, white pelicans, bald and golden eagles, falcons, hawks, burrowing owls, and great horned owls. It also provides habitat for mammals such as black-tailed prairie dogs, mule and white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, muskrats, raccoons, and occasionally elk.