I had been wanting to visit the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge for several months and finally got the chance in mid-June. This NWR is one of the many refuges on the Pacific Flyway and hosts hundreds of thousands of birds each winter. In the summer, the year round residents can be clearly seen.
San Luis is situated about 100 miles south of Sacramento near the town of Gustine a few miles from Interstate 5. It is a large refuge and includes a resident population of the endangered Tule Elk.
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There are two auto tour routes as well as a number of walking trails. In addition, there is a fishing area.
One auto route takes you around the perimeter of the tule elk enclosure and the second takes you through a large marsh. Let me introduce you to some of the year round residents I saw on the tule elk route. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any of the elk.
A pair of Brownheaded Cowbirds sit on the Tule Elk enclosure fence
Western Meadowlark in full song
Violet-Green Swallow
Western Kingbird
Not sure?
Outside the visitor center, I saw a California quail with a couple of babies swiftly cross the road before I could get a photo. There was also a Northern Mockingbird who took great delight in flying to another branch just as I got him into focus. Never did get the shot before he took off.
I saw a few more birds as I followed the marsh route.
Mallard hen
A pair of Great Egrets; note the Shovelor hen in the lower right corner.
Northern Harrier hunting above the marsh.
Red-tail Hawk soaring above the marshlands
Red-Winged Blackbird sings
Mourning Dove
Rough-Winged Swallow
Great Blue Heron posed nicely on a berm.
While the only Tule Elk I saw was a statue, I saw several critters on the auto tours.
A bronze Tule Elk and several ducks welcome guests to the visitor center.
A CA ground squirrel on full alert.
Momma and baby Cottontail Rabbits feed on grass along the road.
A Black-Tailed doe wanders through the tules.
i definitely plan on returning during the winter months when the snow geese, sandhill cranes and a variety of duck species inhabit the marsh. I also hope to get a glimpse of the Tule Elk.
It is with great sadness that I let you know that my husband, Don, passed away last week after a 5 year battle with throat cancer. He fully supported my birding hobby, buying me my telephoto lens for my 65th birthday. He good naturedly accompanied me on my birding expeditions and even helped in spotting different birds; although he didn’t have the same enthusiasm for the activity. I was extremely lucky to have a generous spouse for 43 years who always loved me and supported me in all my activities.
