Wetland Report: Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Late summer is a quiet time at our local Central Valley wildlife refuges, but anticipation hangs in the air.  The wetlands have been dry since the early part of summer, as they are drained after the departure of our migratory birds.  But in September, the dry marshes slowly return to life.  Soon, very soon, the birds will return!


Last week, we took a quick trip out to Merced NWR to see how the wetlands are looking.  The marshes closest to the parking area and main observation deck are still dry, but three separate marsh areas along the back leg of the auto loop are filling with water.  Right now, Black-necked Stilts, Killdeer, White-faced Ibis and Great Egrets abound!  I was surprised by the number of shorebirds we saw!  There are yellowlegs, dowitchers and a few Least Sandpipers as well.  The first of the Northern Shovelers have also arrived.


Sandhill Cranes will start showing up at San Joaquin Valley wetlands by the end of this month - maybe even by the end of this week!  According to a quick glance at ebird, a few cranes were spotted as far south as the Elk Grove area over the weekend.  The arrival of the cranes is an exciting time indeed!  By winter, upwards of 20,000 Sandhill Cranes will fill the wetlands and surrounding fields at Merced NWR.

Golden, late-summer tule reeds

For now, a trip to the wetlands will still reveal a surprising number of birds - especially shorebirds.  The tules are as lovely golden-brown as they are green, and sunflower and milkweed seed heads are picturesque in the late afternoon sun.  You might even spot a few hardy wildflowers still hanging on through the heat.

 Heliotrope  (Heliotropium curassavicum)



Late summer is also dragonfly season in California!  Never a dull moment for the naturalist!

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