Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Follow rules on where you are allowed to stop. Use a long lens to avoid disturbing the birds.

This wildlife refuge is a very large shallow pond that attracts migrating birds between November and February. It is a self-drive tour along a one way dirt road that goes around the perimeter of the pond, and you can take pictures out the window. There are two places you are allowed to get out of the car and observe without disturbing the birds (the entrance area and then about 3/4 way around the pond). There are also walking trails in the area (but they do not go around the shallow pond). It is FREE to enter! There are bathroom facilities in the two places along the drive.

There is enough room for people to pass you if you are stopped taking pictures, provided you pull a little to the side of the road. Do NOT get out of the car except where designated as you will spook the 1,000's of birds

It seemed to be predominantly Snow Geese, but there are also Canadian Geese and Sanhill cranes as well as other various ducks and birds of prey.

• Know the best times, seasons & shooting conditions
• Detailed directions - maps, co-ordinates and directions
• Know how to get there - where to park or how to reach there using public transport
• Browse inspirational photos and learn how they were taken - see the EXIF details
• Bookmark your favourite spots for future reference
• Know exactly when to shoot for beautiful photographs - sunrise, sunset, blue hour and astrophotography
• Detailed, 7-day weather forecast at this location
• Share your images with like-minded travel photographers

Essential Information

Web links

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/merced