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Map Satellite Largest of the three national wildlife refuges in the vicinity, it is bounded on the east by the San Joaquin River, on the west by Salt Creek. About a third of the refuge is in freshwater marshes and ponds. Wooded sloughs meander through the area and there are rather extensive stands of riparian-associated trees here and along the river. In addition to the freshwater marsh and riparian associations there is some alkali grassland as well as Central Valley grassland in the upland areas.
Over 170 species of birds have been recorded within the refuge; however, it is known for its concentrations of waterfowl during the fall and winter months, with more than 500,000 individuals present simultaneously. Major duck concentrations include mallards, Anas platyrhynchos, gadwall, Anas strepera, pintail, Anas acuta, cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera, shoveler, Spatula clypeata, and ruddy, Oxyura jamaicensis.
Integrity: A substantial portion of the area is managed for waterfowl, though much of the riparian association along natural watercourses is relatively undisturbed. The uplands have been grazed.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
January 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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