Just a day trip beyond the San Francisco Bay Area are two national wildlife refuges (NWRs): the San Luis NWR in Los Banos and the Merced NWR. They are easy to tour and provide a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area.
Located in the northeastern part of the San Joaquin Valley, the two wildlife refuges, along with the San Joaquin River NWR, form the largest remaining area of native grassland and wetland habitats in California’s Central Valley.
An observation deck allows viewing access to flocks of geese and swans. (Courtesy of Karen Gough)
Wintering Habitat for Migratory Birds
Over the winter, more than a million ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes inhabit fields and wetlands within the San Joaquin Valley. Visitors can see thousands of these birds themselves by touring either the San Luis NWR or the Merced NWR….