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Map Satellite Though a substantial portion of the refuge is farmed, there exist some permanent sloughs and freshwater marshes with a typical marsh vegetation including cattail, Typha sp., tule, Scirpus sp., and Eleocharis palustris, among others. Much of the area is flooded from August to January.
During early winter, goose concentrations will sometimes number over 100,000 birds daily, and winter concentrations of ducks may reach 350,000 birds daily. It is on this refuge that the bulk of the extant Ross's goose, Chen rossi, may be found feeding. Other geese visiting the refuge include Canada, Branta canadensis, white-fronted, Anser albifrons, and snow, Chen hyperborea. Sandhill cranes, Grus canadensis, are usually present during the migratory season. A total of 177 species of birds, including 17 species of ducks, have been counted on the refuge.
In the grasslands, dominated by exotic grasses, and in other portions, badgers, Taxidea taxus, and long-tailed weasels, Mustela frenata, are among the mammals present on the refuge.
Integrity: Established in 1951, the area is managed as a Wildlife Refuge, though a small portion is permanent freshwater marsh.
Use: Research, educational, observational, hunting, fishing.
July 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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