San Luis NWR

Good viewing opportunities with two auto tour routes open every day with observation platforms at Elk Route, Sousa Trail, and Winton Marsh Trail. There is also an additional trail, open February-September, to the historic river crossing settlement known as Chester.

• Feb-Mar Elk bulls shed their antlers. Males regrow a new set each year in the spring.
• April-May Cows crop (give birth to) calves.
• March-May Bulls in-velvet (growing antlers). Vernal pools in flower.
• April-July Spotted calves until weaned.
• July Bulls polish antlers and begin bugling.
• Aug-Oct Harems defended (rutting season).
• Nov-Feb Waterfowl and crane numbers at their peak.

 Merced NWR

Scenic auto tour route and two new foot trails, accompanied with observation platforms by the entrance and at the Meadowlark Trail parking area.

• Vernal Pools can be found north of Sandy Mush Road, also on State Park, West Bear Creek, and on Freitas.
• Vernal pools are most colorful as wildflowers bloom in spring following the evaporation of winter rains.
• Fairy shrimp and tadpole shrimp attract ducks, cranes, Ibis, and shorebirds.

Migratory and wintering birds peak at different times:

• Shorebirds August and May
• Ducks Nov-Feb
• Geese Dec-Feb
• Swans Jan-Feb
• Cranes Nov-Feb
• Ibis Sept-May
• Pelicans Sept-May
• Curlews Sept-May

Volta

Swans, Canvasbacks, and Pelicans are seen in January and February; on Henry Miller Avenue, 1/4 mile west of Volta Elementary School.

Forebay

Barrows Golden-eye, Greater Scaup, gulls, and loons can be seen. Clark's Grebe and Western Grebe, January-February.

Detention Dam

March-May, Clark's Grebe and Western Grebe breeding. Prairie Falcon and White-Throated swifts can possibly be seen in the canyon.