TRIP POLICY: Please limit your sign-ups to 1 weekend trip and 2 weekday trips per month. Also, please take a moment to read our other policies here.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Northern Pintail by Rachael Lee

Come explore one of the Central Valley’s winter birding jewels. Sandhill Crane, Snow, Ross’s, and Greater White-fronted Geese could number in the thousands, along with many varieties of ducks, shorebirds, and raptors. This trip includes two relatively short walks as well as the auto tour around the main portion of the refuge. The first walk is along a dirt trail of about one-half mile; the second is along a dirt trail of less than three-quarters of a mile. Although both trails are flat the conditions of the trails, especially if the weather has been wet, may make it awkward for those with mobility challenges. The observation deck is ADA-accessible. The driving tour, which constitutes the majority of the field trip, is appropriate for those with mobility issues. Those with mobility issues are welcome to skip the walking portions of the trip but still join us for the auto tour portion. Bring a lunch and we will eat together at the observation platform halfway around the loop. Scopes recommended.

Refunds? If trip is canceled due to bad weather, you will be refunded. If you need to cancel, do so before Jan 3 for a refund.

Waitlist: If the trip has sold out but you would like to be on a waitlist, please email fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org.

Trip Difficulty: A total of 1.5 miles of flat walking on non-paved trails with most of the time spent on the auto tour.

Other Trip Notes: This trip requires carpooling once on site. The carpool will be limited to 4 cars with 4 people each. Passengers must remain in the vehicle they select at the beginning of the tour. Birding will be done from the vehicles unless we are in areas where exiting is permitted. 

Leaders: Matthew Dodder (650) 868-4922, Sheila Raymond (408) 887-4854 and Andy Melnick (650) 823-4117

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, No elevation gain

Meet: Observation deck next to main parking lot 

Directions: From US-101 in Gilroy, exit 10th St/CA-152 E. Take CA-152 E for about 45 miles passing through the hills, the Central Valley, and Los Banos. After Los Banos, continue on CA-152 E for another 20 miles, then take the exit for CA-59 N. Continue on CA-59 N for 7 miles then turn left (heading west) onto Sandy Mush Rd. Continue on Sandy Mush Rd for another 7 miles to the refuge entrance on the left (south) side of the road. Continue into the park on Tour Rte Loop Rd for 0.3 miles. The parking lot and observation deck are on your right. Latitude/Longitude: 37.182496, -120.620241

Facilities: ADA accessible pit toilets in parking lot and along the auto route

Parking Type and Fees: Gravel parking lot, no fees

Banner Photo: Northern Pintail by Rachael Lee

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.