Pixley NWR photo blind will be available starting October 1st through March 31 reservations only. The photo blind will give visitors the opportunity to get a little closer to wildlife for observation and photography.
From late August-April, Pixley NWR provides great opportunities to photograph various waterfowl and migratory species along the existing foot trail. There is an observation platform at the end of the foot trail with a spotting scope that allows visitors to see further into the wetlands.
There is only one photo blind at Pixley NWR and will only be available by reservation. Please read the reservation process for the photo blind use:
Availability
The blind will be available from October 1st-March 31st everyday of the week.
Process for Requesting a Blind
To reserve a date to use the blind, photographers must email audrey_mahinan@fws.gov or call at 661-725-2767 with the preferred reservation date and request a reservation form. Photographers' names will be put on a list and processed chronologically by the e-mail date/time or voicemail date/time. All applicants given a blind assignment will be notified by email or telephone during early to mid-September.
First come, First served
Photographers may apply through a first-come, first-serve system. Photographers' requests will be processed chronologically by the e-mail date/time or voicemail date/time.
Payment
There is no fee for the use of the photography blind. There is no commercial photography done at the refuge whatsoever.
Registration
On the photography day, photographers will find a 'Photography Blind Folder" inside the blind. The folder will contain a Photography Blind Report form, blind rules, and other important information. Please fill out the appropriate forms and leave the folder in the blind when you leave.
Proceed to Blind
Photographers are able to go in the blind as early as 1 hour before sunrise and must be out of the blind and off refuge by 1 hour after sunset. Photographers must walk from the parking lot along the foot trail. Red reflectors will be put along the photography blind trail. A flashlight will be needed to follow the reflectors in the dark. Photographers may leave the blind at any time. Access to the blind and the surrounding area may flood; therefore, blind use depends on road and habitat conditions. If the access road is closed due to flooding, the photo blind will also be closed.
Weather Closure
Access to the blind and the surrounding area my flood; therefore, blind use depends on road and habitat conditions. If the access road is closed due to flooding, the photo blind will also be closed. During adverse weather, it is highly recommended that photographers call before their blind assignment date to check on the blind and road conditions. Refuge staff will contact users as soon as possible if there is a closure. Staff will try to provide the cancelled user a replacement opportunity if feasible.
Directions
Refuge staff will email a map once the reservation form is completed.
Blind Use
The blind has adjustable camera size openings in three sides. Four adjustable shelves, which can be used for camera mounts, are present in the blind. There is one swivel chair available.
Checkout
Photographers must check out of the blind by leaving the "Photography Blind Folder" with a completed report form in the photo blind. We ask that you clean up after yourself and not loose any slide inserts to the viewing windows.
Cancelling
If you will not be able to use the blind on your designated date, contact the refuge as soon as possible.
Refuge reserves the right to revoke photography privilege
Anyone found to be in violation of any of the conditions in these guidelines or refuge regulations will have their photography privileges immediate revoked and will be asked to leave the area.
Checklist of helpful items to bring to the blind:
Flashlight, warm clothes or layers, field guide(s), binoculars, insect repellent, snacks and water, sack for garbage, seat for a second person, tripod or bean bag camera rest.
