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

California · Southwest

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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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/18/2026Hammond Trail--Vista Point1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/18/2026Samoa Blvd, Arcata US-CA 40.86834, -124.118661 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

4/18/2026Kneeland Road, Kneeland, California, US (40.698, -123.939)4 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/18/2026Crab Park3 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch (Pacific)

Sitta carolinensis

4/18/2026Mountain View Rd.--Kneeland Rd. to Ashfield Ridge1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/18/2026Loleta Pond1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/17/2026Crab Park1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/17/2026Freshwater Farms Reserve1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

4/17/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary--Allen Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

104/17/2026

Mallard

74/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/17/2026

Bufflehead

114/17/2026

Killdeer

14/17/2026

Marbled Godwit

14/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

2004/17/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/17/2026

Snowy Egret

104/17/2026

Great Egret

24/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/17/2026

Barn Swallow

24/17/2026

Marsh Wren

14/17/2026

American Robin

14/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

34/17/2026

Song Sparrow

24/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/17/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

14/17/2026

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.