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

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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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/20/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach4 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/20/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

7/20/2026Cole Rd.2 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

7/20/2026Schwan Lake1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/20/2026College Lake2 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

107/20/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

127/20/2026

Black-bellied Plover

17/20/2026

Killdeer

27/20/2026

Snowy Plover

67/20/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/20/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

17/20/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

1307/20/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

17/20/2026

Willet

17/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

87/20/2026

Western Gull

17/20/2026

California Gull

17/20/2026

Forster's Tern

17/20/2026

Elegant Tern

1207/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

127/20/2026

Snowy Egret

87/20/2026

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.