Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Love this spot! Great halfway point accross the valley bring a picnic and enjoying easy drive through bird watching.
You can check off a bunch of new species on your life list here during migration season. Even in the off season there are some birds, busy dragonflies and wildlife hopping through here.
Has restrooms, bird blinds, short hikes to stretch your legs. Bring your binoculars or your spotting scope.

This place is amazing particular when the snow geese and sandhill cranes are migrating to it usually between December and February. Many types of birds can be seen here. Rabbits and coyotes can also be spotted roaming the area. The five mile auto tour dirt road is in good shape so traveling through the reserve. The best time for birding and scenery is usually around sunrise and sunset (unless it is covered by fog).

I find that first going to the San Luis Wildlife Refuge which is about a half hour away is beneficial as they have a nice fish and game visitors center and a ranger stationed there to answer questions. It’s not common to see a ranger at the Merced refuge unless you have a tour scheduled.

Peaceful spot to view thousands of geese, sandhill cranes, and small waterfowl in winter, along with random sightings of hawks, foxes, and such. What to expect: a long, unpaved auto loop around wetlands with some close-up views of birds (some just a few feet away), scattered educational signage along the route, and occasional opportunities to get out of the car to take photos from land or pier. It is wonderfully noisy with goose calls and crane trills. Bring/wear mosquito repellent if you plan to get out of your car, especially around sunset, when the cranes return from their day's adventure. Enjoy.

Magical at sunset. The 5 mile drive around the estuary is worth the trek out. Bring bug spray. So many birds to see. Take your time to take in the sights. We arrived late in the day so didn’t have enough time to hike the trails but that leaves us something new to do next time. Watch for owls on the farm side just past the last viewpoint parking lot. They are huge!

A surprising location amid farm fields in the Central Valley is this large wetland you can drive around.

The signage at the entry stop is helpful and there is a deck to walk out on with a handy free telescope. At this point you get a sense of the wetlands and we saw some cranes in the distance.

To explore more you commit to a 5 miles one way loop, max speed 25 (more like 10-15) and dusty in October. You stay in your car except for designated stops.