Spotlight on San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

by on January 01, 2013 in Habitats: Freshwater, Bay, Marine, Wildlife: Birds, Mammals, Fish

 
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The Ross's goose is a miniature version of the more abundant snow goose. Photo: Rick Lewis.
 

 
 

On the Map

 

If you find yourself headed through the Central Valley at this time of the year, a nice pit stop off Highway 5 is the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Migratory waterfowl enjoy the bounty of thousands of acres of wetlands fed by canals, and the refuge contains the most extensive network of pristine native grasslands, shrubs, and vernal pools that still remain within the Central Valley.

San Luis is also the largest contiguous freshwater wetlands remaining in California. No wonder the birds love it.

Bay Nature photographer Rick Lewis spent some time at San Luis recently, and sent in these pics.

The red-tailed hawk is a the most common hawk species in North America and likes open country. Photo: Rick Lewis.
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The red-tailed hawk is a the most common hawk species in North America and likes open country. Photo: Rick Lewis.
The greater yellowlegs gets its name from its brightly colored legs, which is uses to wade around freshwater ponds and tidal marshes. Photo: Rick Lewis.
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The greater yellowlegs gets its name from its brightly colored legs, which is uses to wade around freshwater ponds and tidal marshes. Photo: Rick Lewis.
The peregrine falcon hunts medium-sized birds by swooping down on them from high above. Photo: Rick Lewis.
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The peregrine falcon hunts medium-sized birds by swooping down on them from high above. Photo: Rick Lewis.
The Ross's goose is a miniature version of the more abundant snow goose. Photo: Rick Lewis.
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The Ross's goose is a miniature version of the more abundant snow goose. Photo: Rick Lewis.
The sandhill crane is a tall bird that congregates in huge numbers during migration. An early arrival supposedly means an early winter. Photo: Rick Lewis.
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The sandhill crane is a tall bird that congregates in huge numbers during migration. An early arrival supposedly means an early winter. Photo: Rick Lewis.
The white pelican is one of the largest birds in North America. It winters on the coast but breeds inland. Photo: Rick Lewis.
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The white pelican is one of the largest birds in North America. It winters on the coast but breeds inland. Photo: Rick Lewis.
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge is an important wintering ground for migratory waterfowl. Photo: Rick Lewis.
Caption
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge is an important wintering ground for migratory waterfowl. Photo: Rick Lewis.
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