Wetland birding habitat

Harkins Slough

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Harkins Slough is a productive birding destination in California, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, and American Coot 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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

7/22/202695037, Morgan Hill US-CA (37.1134,-121.6582)1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/22/2026UC Santa Cruz--Arboretum2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/22/2026UC Santa Cruz--Arboretum2 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

7/21/2026Younger Ranch Central Grasslands- Private Access1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Gull

7/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/21/2026

American White Pelican

17/21/2026

Osprey

27/21/2026

American Crow

47/21/2026

Great Egret

27/20/2026

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 Harkins Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Harkins Slough for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Harkins Slough?
Notable species at Harkins Slough include Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Western Gull, California Gull. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Harkins Slough?
Birding at Harkins Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Harkins Slough?
Harkins Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.