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

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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

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

6/1/2026Eureka Waterfront--Elk River mouth1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/31/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop7 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/30/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

5/29/2026Big Lagoon County Park1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

5/29/2026McKinleyville--Fernwood Fowler home4 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/29/2026West End Ct. pond1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/29/2026Blue Lake cottonwoods1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Mad River Fish Hatchery1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/28/2026Mad River Fish Hatchery1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/28/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/28/2026Mad River Estuary--Hammond Trail Bridge1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/28/2026Mad River County Park1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/27/2026Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)4 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/27/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop1 observed

Cackling Goose (Aleutian)

Branta hutchinsii

5/27/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop67 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/26/2026Bayshore Mall Parking Lot1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/26/2026Cooper Gulch Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

25/29/2026

Western Gull

305/29/2026

California Gull

25/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/29/2026

Common Raven

15/29/2026

Song Sparrow

15/29/2026

Canada Goose

515/28/2026

Mallard

65/28/2026

Hooded Merganser

15/28/2026

Common Merganser

125/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/28/2026

Mourning Dove

25/28/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/28/2026

Great Egret

35/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/28/2026

American Crow

65/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/28/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/28/2026

Barn Swallow

85/28/2026

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.