Elkhorn Slough Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Seabright SB1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Gadwall

43/6/2026

Mallard

13/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/6/2026

Surf Scoter

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

253/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

American Avocet

13/6/2026

Long-billed Curlew

23/6/2026

Marbled Godwit

33/6/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/6/2026

Willet

303/6/2026

Western Gull

23/6/2026

Forster's Tern

303/6/2026

Common Loon

13/6/2026

Great Egret

23/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

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.