Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Directions: Drive 8 miles S of Merced on State Highway 59, then 6 miles W on Sandy Mush Road.

Primary Wildlife: Large wintering populations of pintails, green-winged teal, shovelers, mallards, gadwalls, four species of geese, plus sandhill cranes. Fall and spring migrants include phalaropes, yellowlegs, dowitchers, sandpipers, long-billed curlews, black-bellied plovers and white-faced ibis. Summer residents include nesting mallards, gadwalls, cinnamon teal, avocets, black-necked stilts, American bitterns, and several species of herons and Krets. Ring-necked pheasants are common.

Habitat: 2,562 acres of cropland and marshes. A small marsh is maintained throughout the summer to provide habitat for water and marsh birds.

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

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