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

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

5/31/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/31/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

5/30/2026Monterey Bay pelagic (SCZ Co., 2+ mi offshore)1 observed

Ashy Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates homochroa

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only2 observed

Hawaiian Petrel

Pterodroma sandwichensis

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/30/2026Elkhorn Slough Reserve (NERR)1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/30/202650A Spring Rd, Royal Oaks US-CA (36.8701,-121.7497)4 observed

Wandering Tattler

Tringa incana

5/29/2026West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow Ave.1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

35/27/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/27/2026

Great Egret

115/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

35/27/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/27/2026

House Finch

15/27/2026

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.