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| Millerton Lake State Recreation Area - Site # 135 | |||
| Background: | This large impoundment on the San Joaquin River was formed by Friant Dam. Ground squirrels and acorn woodpeckers inhabit oak-studded grasslands near north shore campgrounds. Watch closely here for bobcats, coyotes, and red-breasted and yellow-bellied sapsuckers. Look aloft for hunting golden eagles, northern harriers, and rough-legged hawks. Wintering bald eagles fish from shoreline trees, especially near MacKenzie and Winchell points. Many Canada geese winter here, amoung resident western grebes and American coots. Egrets and herons are conspicuous in the summer, wading in marshy areas created by the falling lake level. | ||
| Boating and other water related recreation. Camping and picnic sites are available. | |||
| The Habitat: | Annual grassland: 85% Oak woodland: 15% | ||
| The Experience: | The primary ecological value is the lake. Although artifical, it does provide well-utilized habitat for bald eagles. | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | The best method is to take staff led boat tours on the lake from December through February.. Call the park for hours and availability. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | Waterfowl and wading birds are seen year-round. Songbirds appear in spring. Birds of prey, especially wintering bald eagles and other predators are common in spring and fall. April brings wildflowers. | ||
| Site Notes: | This lake rests in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada east of Fresno. | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | San Joaquin River Parkway, from Friant to Fresno. | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | Varies by season. Call ahead. | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved. | ||
| Roads available year-round. | |||
| Road Hazards: No | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 150 | |||
| Parking Fee: Yes | |||
| Proximity to viewing area:Yes | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: No | |||
| Parking Notes: Pullouts and parking areas offer best opportunities for shore based viewing. | |||
| Special Tips: | This site is featured in the San Joaquin River Birding Trail Map, published by Audubon California. http://www.audublog.org/?p=5295 | ||
| How to Get There: | Take Highway 99 to the Madera exit and Highway 145. Follow Highway 145 for 22 miles to lake. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | California State Parks | ||
| Agency Site URL: | |||
| Physical Address: | 5290 Millerton Road Friant, CA 93626 |
Agency 2: | 5290 Millerton Road Friant, CA 93626 |
| Manager Phone: | |||
| Site Phone: | DPR (209) 822-2332 | ||
| County: | Fresno | ||
| Addition Website: | http://www.audublog.org/?p=5295 | ||