The artificially created wetlands of Monte Vista NWR are intensively managed to provide additional habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl and other waterbirds. Mallards, pintail, teal and Canada geese are common, as are avocets, killdeer, ibis, egrets, and herons. The refuge is visited by the endangered bald eagle and peregrine falcon.
Pumped and artesian wells, along with irrigation canal and ditch diversions form the Rio Grande River provide water to maintain wetland habitat.