Sat. Oct. 4, 9am-4pm 

Merced NWR is one of several San Joaquin Valley wildlife refuges that comprise the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. Together they total more than 50,000 acres. This combination of marshes, ponds, riparian areas and farmlands host many thousands of birds each fall and winter. Ducks, owls, geese, swans, shorebirds, Sandhill Cranes, raptors of all kinds, songbirds and waders are in such numbers and variety it takes your breath away. In the afternoon we’ll visit another refuge in the area. Bring lunch and drinks, there is no local place to buy them. This is primarily a car tour, with minimal walking.