Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora)

Setophaga dominica

3/4/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

103/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

1003/5/2026

Gadwall

53/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

53/5/2026

Surf Scoter

33/5/2026

Bufflehead

33/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

93/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

303/5/2026

American Coot

303/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

103/5/2026

American Avocet

193/5/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

13/5/2026

Willet

53/5/2026

California Gull

103/5/2026

Eared Grebe

23/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

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 Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge?
Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.