The Kern Valley Wildlife Refuge in California's Central Valley was created as important resting and feeding grounds for wildfowl migrating along the pacific flyway. After four years of unprecedented drought, the water shortages in California are critical. The reserve has received only 40% of its usual warer, with the result that most of the lake beds are dried up and dessicated, leaving the birds few places to go. This is the only area of lake with any water left.

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