Elkhorn Slough
California · West
Easy
November-April
$4 per vehicle (reserve)
Wednesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
About This Location
Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest remaining coastal wetlands, located on Monterey Bay. The tidal slough and surrounding habitats support over 340 bird species, with excellent viewing of shorebirds, seabirds, and raptors year-round.
Location
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Notable Species
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Royal Tern
Thalasseus maximus
Palm Warbler
Setophaga palmarum
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Poecile rufescens
Swainson's Thrush
Catharus ustulatus
Harris's Sparrow
Zonotrichia querula
Common Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticula
Black Turnstone
Arenaria melanocephala
Elegant Tern
Thalasseus elegans
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Gadwall
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Anna's Hummingbird
Caspian Tern
Western Grebe
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Red-shouldered Hawk
Acorn Woodpecker
Black Phoebe
California Scrub-Jay
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Bewick's Wren
European Starling
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Birding Tips
- 1
Kayak tours offer close-up views of sea otters and birds
- 2
Walk the Five Fingers Loop trail for excellent marsh birding
- 3
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 4
Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Moss Landing
More in California
California Birding Guide
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