Contacts
David Hardt (refuge manager), 661/ 725-2767
Jim Nickles or Al Donner (external affairs), 916/414-6600
Note to Editors: Opportunities to view and film the large flocks of birds at Kern NWR should continue through March. For best results, coordinate with Refuge Manager David Hardt.
Bird Population Soars, Providing Spectacular Viewing Opportunities
For the first time in its 40-year history, the Kern National Wildlife Refuge -- the most important wintering area for waterfowl in the southern San Joaquin Valley -- was able to flood all 6,500 acres of its wetland habitat this winter. In past years, the refuge in northern Kern County, CA, has flooded between 2,200 acres and 5,600 acres.
The increased water supply has provided more abundant food and improved nesting conditions for many bird species. That has meant a marked increase in bird populations and species diversity.
“The population of wintering and nesting birds has increased dramatically,” Refuge Manager David Hardt said. More than 5,000 white-faced ibis, a species of special concern rarely seen at Kern just a decade ago, are beginning to nest in the wetlands.
Along with the ibis are large populations of ducks, geese, shorebirds and wading birds, including avocets, egrets and great blue herons. Also present are tri-colored blackbirds, a rare species in the Central Valley.
“The next few months offer a wonderful opportunity for the public to see the spectacular migratory bird populations that are present in the southern San Joaquin Valley,” Hardt said. Visitors can see much of the wildlife on a 6.5-mile self-guided automobile tour that begins at the refuge headquarters.
Steve Thompson, manager of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s California/Nevada Operations Office, encouraged people to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the thriving bird population during the upcoming spring months.
The landmark achievement of having enough water to flood all 6,500 acres of wetland habitat in Kern NWR is the result of a decade of increased cooperation between agricultural water districts in the Valley and Federal program managers, Thompson said. Kern NWR was established without enough water and conveyance facilities to fully flood its wetland habitat. However, the 1992 Central Valley Project Improvement Act directed the Bureau of Reclamation and the Service to secure a full and reliable water supply for eight federal refuges (including Kern), five state wildlife areas and the private ducks clubs within Merced County. The Act also required the construction of conveyance facilities to transport full water supplies to these refuges.
“Valley farmers and water districts, along with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service, have built an increasingly supportive partnership to improve Kern NWR and other wetlands in the San Joaquin Valley,” Thompson said.
The two largest suppliers of water to the refuge this year were the Buena Vista Water Storage District and the Westside Mutual Water District, which each provided about 10,000 acre-feet of water.
“The result is rejuvenated waterfowl habitat that is rapidly expanding bird populations in the Valley. This success in habitat restoration and enhancement is the direct result of our ability to have the year-round water supply to meet the refuge needs,” Thompson said. “It shows that cooperation among water users and the Federal agencies can produce important benefits for California’s wildlife.”
BACKGROUND – KERN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
DIRECTIONS
From Interstate 5: Take Highway 46 east five miles to Corcoran Road and turn north. Drive 10.6 miles to the refuge at the intersection of Corcoran Road and Garces Highway.
From Highway 99: At Delano, exit Highway 99 at the Highway 155 exit. Turn left on the frontage road and proceed south to the stop sign at Highway 155, which is Garces Highway. Travel 19 miles west on Garces Highway to the refuge at the intersection of Corcoran Road and Garces Highway.
PRIMARY WILDLIFE
- Wintering area for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, marsh birds and waterbirds in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
- Refuge also provides habitat for the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, Tipton kangaroo rat, and blunt-nosed leopard lizard.
HABITAT
The refuge is located in the historic Tulare Lake Basin. One hundred years ago, this area was covered by an inland lake and wetland complex totaling over 625,000 acres. The refuge is one of the few remaining wetlands left in the area.
RECREATION AND EDUCATION
- Wildlife observation, study, and photography; best times are November through April.
- 6.5-mile self-guided auto tour open daily except during waterfowl hunting season.
- Waterfowl hunting (October through January)
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