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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/17/2026Chah-GAH-Cho Trail1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/15/2026stakeout Ruby-throated Hummingbird, New St., Eureka (2014)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/14/2026Eureka Waterfront--Elk River mouth1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/14/2026Beau Pre Golf Club (restricted access)4 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/12/2026Russ Ranch Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

107/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

187/15/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/15/2026

Semipalmated Plover

67/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

67/15/2026

Long-billed Curlew

57/15/2026

Marbled Godwit

607/15/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/15/2026

Willet

37/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/15/2026

Western Gull

227/15/2026

California Gull

147/15/2026

Caspian Tern

197/15/2026

Elegant Tern

67/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

157/15/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

97/15/2026

Snowy Egret

47/15/2026

Great Egret

67/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/15/2026

Brown Pelican

27/15/2026

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.