Wetland birding habitat

Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and urban park habitat attracts Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and Anna's Hummingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

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

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/19/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Salinas WTP (no public access)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/18/2026Pajaro River mouth (MTY Co.)3 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/18/2026US-CA-Royal Oaks-135 Walker Valley Rd - 36.8114x-121.71341 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/18/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/18/2026Seaside State Beach (hotel & seawatch)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/17/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/16/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/16/2026College Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

307/19/2026

Black-bellied Plover

17/19/2026

Killdeer

97/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

27/19/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

47/19/2026

Long-billed Curlew

27/19/2026

Marbled Godwit

107/19/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

2407/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

37/19/2026

Willet

307/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

47/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

507/19/2026

Western Sandpiper

57/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

257/19/2026

Western Gull

107/19/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

17/19/2026

Forster's Tern

207/19/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

37/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park for birding?
The best months to visit Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park?
Notable species at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park include Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet. The area supports wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park?
Birding at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park?
Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.