Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard Green-winged Teal Marbled Godwit Ring-billed Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

5/29/2026Loleta Bottoms - Hawk's Hill Rd1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/29/2026Hiller Park and Mad River Bluffs2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/29/2026West End Ct. pond1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/29/2026Blue Lake cottonwoods1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/29/2026MAMU Survey--HM1106, Allen Creek1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/28/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary15 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/28/2026Copenhagen Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

155/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

45/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

45/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/28/2026

Killdeer

25/28/2026

Semipalmated Plover

35/28/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

35/28/2026

Marbled Godwit

65/28/2026

Western Gull

155/28/2026

Caspian Tern

175/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/28/2026

Great Egret

45/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/28/2026

Brown Pelican

25/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Osprey

25/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Northern Flicker

15/28/2026

Western Flycatcher

25/28/2026

Black Phoebe

25/28/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)?▼

Notable species at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Marbled Godwit, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)?▼

Birding at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)?▼

Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.