Merced Wildlife Refuge by Linda Gast

I have visited the Merced Wildlife Refuge several times in the last few weeks.  Each time I go I see different birds.  I have also been surprised to see the roads covered with small rabbits and of course the ever present ground squirrels.  One day Dorothy Neilson and I went in the late afternoon.  We stayed to watch the sunset and were rewarded by getting to see thousands of Sandhill Cranes come in for the night.  We were so engrossed in taking photos that when we went to leave the gate was already locked.  The thought of spending the night in the Refuge wasn't all too unpleasant, but we discovered the gate was electric and if we got the car close enough it would open. 

There is a walking area at the East end of the marsh.  We were able to walk out there and observe a number of Sandhill Cranes, White-fronted Geese and Ross's Geese or Snow Geese.  You can get good photos of a number of birds from your car.  The auto trail goes all the way around the Reserve. 

 
More information and directions: www.stateparks.com/merced.html or  www.fws.gov/sanluis/merced_info.htm

Linda Gast
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