Wetland birding habitat

Elkhorn Slough Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/27/2026Ranchito Bolsa Nueva (private/offset)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Asilomar Conference Grounds [limited to grounds; use Asilomar SB hotspots for shore]1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Pacific Grove--El Carmelo Cemetery1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Monterey--Presidio (lower)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria immutabilis

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Hawaiian Petrel

Pterodroma sandwichensis

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/25/2026Moss 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

American Coot

15/27/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/27/2026

Black Phoebe

15/27/2026

Song Sparrow

15/27/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/27/2026

Canada Goose

15/24/2026

Wild Turkey

5/24/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

5/24/2026

Black-bellied Plover

5/24/2026

Killdeer

5/24/2026

Snowy Plover

15/24/2026

Long-billed Curlew

15/24/2026

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 Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Elkhorn Slough Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Elkhorn Slough Reserve?
Notable species at Elkhorn Slough Reserve include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elkhorn Slough Reserve?
Birding at Elkhorn Slough Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Elkhorn Slough Reserve?
Elkhorn Slough Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.