We made an impromptu stop yesterday at the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge. It was a soulful deviation from the hustle and bustle. I can handle hustle, but then you throw in the bustle and I'm overloaded. Must be in fresh open air now.
Pull over.
This refuge is the first urban National Wildlife Refuge established in the United States. It's located on the Pacific Flyway and encompasses 30,000 acres of mudflats, marshland, salt ponds, open bay, and vernal pool habitats.
The Refuge continues to acquire sensitive habitats for migratory birds and hosts over 280 species each year. Millions of shorebirds and waterfowl stop here on their spring and fall migrations. I'm more than a little confused though by the allowance of open hunting of waterfowl here. What's up with that? In fact a motor boat sped by us at one point, crashing into the silence and calm. It's a wild, wild life. You have to grab your silences inbetween. Have mercy.
Despite those criticisms, it's definitely worth a visit to this unique open space, with some otherworldly landscapes, and some very dedicated and sweet volunteers.
