Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge

Directions: Located approximately 18 miles N of Los Banos. Drive 4 miles E of Gustine on Highway 140.

Primary Wildlife: Large wintering population of pintails, green-winged teal, shovelers, mallards, gadwalls, and geese. -- Fall and spring migrants include phalaropes, yellowlegs, dowitchers, sandpipers, and long-billed curlews. Summer residents include nesting mallards, gadwalls, cinnamon teal, avocets, black-necked stilts, and several species of herons and Krets. The endangered San Joaquin kit fox is present in very limited numbers.

Habitat: 5,900 acres of marshland and native grasslands superimposed on Bureau of Reclamation land. The seasonal marsh is being restored and enlarged and some permanent marsh is being created.

Recreation and Education : Wildlife observation, study, and photography. Waterfowl hunting.

c/o San Luis NWR Complex
340 I Street
PO Box 2176
Los Banos, CA 93635
(209) 826-3508