MEMBERS ONLY: Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Come explore one of the Central Valley’s winter birding jewels. Sandhill Cranes and Snow, Ross’s, and Greater White-fronted Geese all commonly stay here for winter, along with many varieties of ducks, shorebirds, and raptors. This is an auto tour around the perimeter of the refuge so it is accessible to all. Bring a lunch and we will discuss how the refuges are helping birds survive against the ongoing loss of habitat due to human expansion and climate change.

Trip Difficulty: auto tour

Meet: Observation deck next to parking lot

Chuq Von Rospach, (408) 221-0797

Beginner friendly 

Wheelchair accessible

Google Plus Code: “59PH+8W Merced, California” (paste code, city, and state into Google maps)

Directions: From US-101 in Gilroy, exit 10th St/CA-152 E. Take CA-152 E for about 45 miles passing through the hills, the Central Valley, and Los Banos. After Los Banos, continue on CA-152 E for another 20 miles, then take the exit for CA-59 N. Continue on CA-59 N for 7 miles then turn left (heading west) onto Sandy Mush Rd. Continue on Sandy Mush Rd for another 7 miles to the refuge entrance on the left (south) side of the road. Continue into the park on Tour Rte Loop Rd for 0.3 miles. The parking lot and observation deck are on your right.

Address: 7430 W Sandy Mush Rd, Merced, CA 95341

Facilities: ADA accessible pit toilets in parking lot and along the auto route

Parking Fees: no

This trip is organized by the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (scvas.org). Please read our trip policies. Questions? Contact the trip leader or email scvasfieldtrips@gmail.com.