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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Merced Refugewinter wildlife

Most cranes at the refuge are lesser sandhill cranes, seen here from mid-September to early March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Sep 15–Mar 10). No official report yet this season.

Local timing
Sep 15–Mar 10
General timing for this place: not a peak date, and not a forecast.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge through the year

  • Goose and duck numbers peak across the San Luis refuge complexJan
  • Lesser sandhill cranes, mid-September to early MarchNowSep–Mar
  • Snow geese start arriving, late October into NovemberOct–Nov

Where to watch

  • 5-mile auto tour route (main entrance)From the main entrance on Sandy Mush Road, with the Meadowlark, Kestrel and Bittern Marsh trails; open daily, half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
  • Cottonwood TrailIts own parking lot on the north side of Sandy Mush Road; open daily from fall through spring, on foot only

Merced Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
People with binoculars and a camera on a wooden deck over a wetland
A birding group on a viewing deck at Merced National Wildlife Refuge, October 14, 2005. Photo: USFWS · public domain · resized
A wooden picnic shelter by a fenced gravel lot, cottonwood trees behind
The picnic shelter at Merced National Wildlife Refuge, September 29, 2021. Photo: USFWS · public domain · resized

How we know

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merced NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merced NWR: Visit us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Merced National Wildlife Refuge?

Most cranes at the refuge are lesser sandhill cranes, seen here from mid-September to early March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Sep 15–Mar 10. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

Is it wildlife season at Merced National Wildlife Refuge right now?

There's no official report yet this season.

Is there a fee?

No: the auto tour route and the nature trails are free.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merced NWR: Visit us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

What are the hours?

The auto tour route and trails are open every day of the year, from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merced NWR: Visit us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I bring a dog?

Yes, on the nature trails, on a leash and under control at all times.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Merced NWR: Visit us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Merced National Wildlife Refuge?

5-mile auto tour route (main entrance): from the main entrance on Sandy Mush Road, with the Meadowlark, Kestrel and Bittern Marsh trails; open daily, half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset; Cottonwood Trail: its own parking lot on the north side of Sandy Mush Road; open daily from fall through spring, on foot only.

What is Merced National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?

Lesser sandhill cranes, mid-September to early March (Sep–Mar), Snow geese start arriving, late October into November (Oct–Nov) and Goose and duck numbers peak across the San Luis refuge complex (Jan).