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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/28/2026Loma Prieta--Lower Saddle (SCZ Co.)1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

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

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/27/2026Terrace Pt. and Coastal Science Campus1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/25/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

5/25/2026Loma Prieta area (SCL Co.)1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/25/2026Uvas Canyon County Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/25/2026West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow Ave.1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/25/2026Pajaro River- SCL County2 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

5/25/2026Pajaro River/Betabel Rd. area (SBT Co.)22 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/24/2026

Caspian Tern

55/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

105/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/24/2026

American White Pelican

125/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/24/2026

Osprey

55/24/2026

Bald Eagle

15/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/24/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

35/24/2026

Violet-green Swallow

45/24/2026

Bewick's Wren

25/24/2026

Song Sparrow

15/24/2026

Canada Goose

15/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/22/2026

California Gull

155/22/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/22/2026

Common Raven

15/22/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/22/2026

Wrentit

15/22/2026

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.