Many opportunities exist for wildlife observation, and if manager Zahm has his way, more will come. The best time for viewing is between October and March.
Predominant ducks are mallards, gadwalls, shovelers, and green-winged teals.
The 1-mile Chester Marsh Trail leads to the San Joaquin River and offers a good way to explore the marsh and woodland habitat of the refuge. The Tule Elk Tour Route encircles the 760-acre fenced enclosure where a small herd of this mammal is maintained. The recently completed tour route, including interpretive signs and an observation tower equipped with a scope, are the products of a challenge grant from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other contributions by local contractors. The 5-mile tour route at Merced NWR is where concentrations of wintering snow geese and a variety of shore birds are best seen. Interpretive signs and an observation deck are recent new additions at Merced.