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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/17/2026Chah-GAH-Cho Trail1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/15/2026stakeout Ruby-throated Hummingbird, New St., Eureka (2014)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/14/2026Eureka Waterfront--Elk River mouth1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/14/2026Beau Pre Golf Club (restricted access)4 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/9/2026Hiller Park and Mad River Bluffs1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Swainson's Thrush

17/17/2026

Mallard

47/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/17/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/17/2026

Willet

127/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

277/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

157/17/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

47/17/2026

Snowy Egret

67/17/2026

Great Egret

47/17/2026

Brown Pelican

317/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Northern Harrier

17/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

37/17/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/17/2026

Black Phoebe

17/17/2026

Common Raven

17/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/17/2026

Barn Swallow

37/17/2026

Wrentit

27/17/2026

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.