Third Hike-Bittern Marsh Trail
My third hike was Bittern Marsh Trail within the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, a notable wetland habitat in Central California. The weather was ideal, with temperatures in the low 80s and no wind. The trail offers a flat and well-maintained path, making it accessible for both hiking and leisurely walks. This setting provides a great opportunity for wildlife observation and photography, particularly of the diverse avian population that the refuge supports. I even found multiple owl pellets throughout the refuge. The Merced National Wildlife Refuge encompasses several hundred acres, dedicated to the preservation of native flora and fauna. On this particular day, the lack of wind allowed for an uninterrupted chorus of bird calls which I had not experienced before. Definitely plan to go back to explore the other trails.
