Tidal wetlands and mudflats at Elkhorn Slough with shorebirds

Elkhorn Slough

California · West

Habitat
WetlandCoastalMarsh
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-April

Entrance Fee

$4 per vehicle (reserve)

Hours

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

Arctic Loon

Gavia arctica

6/2/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

6/2/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

15/31/2026

Mallard

105/31/2026

California Quail

105/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Western Gull

55/31/2026

Forster's Tern

25/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

American White Pelican

85/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

55/31/2026

Western Flycatcher

35/31/2026

Black Phoebe

35/31/2026

Hutton's Vireo

25/31/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/31/2026

American Crow

55/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Kayak tours offer close-up views of sea otters and birds

  2. 2

    Walk the Five Fingers Loop trail for excellent marsh birding

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elkhorn Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Elkhorn Slough for birding are November-April. The best seasons are Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Elkhorn Slough?
Notable species at Elkhorn Slough include Brown Pelican, Peregrine Falcon, Black Skimmer, Elegant Tern, White-tailed Kite, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports wetland, coastal, marsh habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elkhorn Slough?
Birding at Elkhorn Slough is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Elkhorn Slough?
The entrance fee at Elkhorn Slough is $4 per vehicle (reserve). Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Elkhorn Slough?
Elkhorn Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.