Kern National Wildlife Refuge

Skye Christensen

Beautiful place in the springtime. We had the pleasure of meeting a ranger who told us all about the preserve and the wildlife in the region. Well worth the trip off I-5

James Howat

Our visit was on a wet Monday in February as a break from the monotony of transiting interstate 5 Sacramento to LA. We saw a good variety of birds and had the place to ourselves. If you enjoy nature and wildlife this place is worth a visit. It is closed Wednesday and Saturday during hunting season.

Bart Remling

Very nice experience! Had the whole place to ourselves!!

Ankit Patel

About 20 miles away from Delano is a wild, protected area known as the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. This 1,246-acre refuge is one of the best places in the region to see local plant and animal life in pristine natural habitats. As you explore the area, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including desert uplands, developed marsh, riparian, salt cedar, valley sink scrub, and grassland habitats. A wide variety of migratory birds are frequently spotted in the area. Coyote, squirrels, rattlesnakes, and lizards are among some of the wildlife you’ll have a good chance of spotting during your visit. At the visitor center, you can learn more about the history of the preserve and its purpose when it comes to local preservation.

Alexander Viduetsky

It is very easy to get in. The main entrance was exactly where my Google Maps app had guided me to. The headquarters building was already open at 9 AM. The rangers there were polite and very knowledgeable about wildlife that one may encounter at different parts of the refuge. There are two main wildlife observation areas at the refuge, which can be accessed by driving a car around the perimeter. The roads are clearly marked. There are well maintained parking lots and toilets along the way. There are also various educational posters about birds found at the refuge. I covered 11.5 miles driving around both wildlife areas in 4 hours. I found 43 bird species there, including Northern Harriers, Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned Hawks, White-tailed Kites, and numerous species of waterfowl. The best time of the year to visit is from November to March. The refuge is closed for birders on Wednesdays and Saturdays because of the waterfowl hunting. Don't forget to pick up a birdlist at the headquarters.

Katherine Hanson

We spent several hours on both auto tours and saw a great variety of ducks, wading birds and others. Had a terrific experience!

Ceal Craig

Spent about an hour on Sunday midday on the southern auto tour route. Didn't see another car the whole time. Saw the beginning of migration season. Gadwalls, Northern shovelers, bunch of glossy ibis, and a bunch of great egrets together. Couple of buffleheads, five Northern harriers. Thousands of coots.

Laura Dixon

Birds! Beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife. Knowledgeable and helpful staff in the headquarters. Don't miss Pixley while in the area, we went to both Refuges in the same day and saw many different birds.