If you visit Merced National Wildlife Refuge at the right time you might see huge flocks of Sand Hill Crane or huge flocks of White Pelicans, but, judging from my limited experience, no matter when you visit you’ll see a wide variety of birds and animals because it is ideal habitat.
Who wouldn’t love to be greeted by a Meadowlark celebrating a beautiful morn,
a Northern Shoveler proudly parading in full breeding colors
accompanied by his partner,
a male Ruddy Duck sporting an almost blue bill,
and a White-crowned Sparrow looking particularly sharp in the morning sunlight?
Such beautiful photos. I’ve never been to Merced Wildlife Refuge, and it looks like a lovely place to photograph birds.
Beautiful portraits! It’s good to see photos from the Merced refuge. I wasn’t able to get there this winter because of the heavy rain and flooding that closed the refuge for some time. I’m glad you were able to get there after things dried out.