River/Riparian birding habitat

Mad River County Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mad River County Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Common Merganser, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/17/2026Airport Rd, McKinleyville US-CA 40.96904, -124.116391 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Hammond Trail--Vista Point6 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/17/2026Thayer’s Domain (Private)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/17/2026Humboldt Bay NWR--Salmon Creek Unit2 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

4/17/2026Freshwater Farms Reserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

654/4/2026

Mallard

24/4/2026

Common Merganser

14/4/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

154/4/2026

Marbled Godwit

34/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/4/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

14/4/2026

White-tailed Kite

14/4/2026

Common Raven

34/4/2026

Wrentit

14/4/2026

European Starling

224/4/2026

American Robin

14/4/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

34/4/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

14/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mad River County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Mad River County Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mad River County Park?
Notable species at Mad River County Park include Common Merganser, Canada Goose, Mallard, Anna's Hummingbird, Turkey Vulture. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mad River County Park?
Birding at Mad River County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Mad River County Park?
Mad River County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.