River/Riparian birding habitat

Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
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 Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/18/2026Pajaro River mouth (MTY Co.)3 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/18/2026US-CA-Royal Oaks-135 Walker Valley Rd - 36.8114x-121.71341 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/18/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/18/2026Seaside State Beach (hotel & seawatch)1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/17/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/17/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/16/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/16/2026College Lake2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/15/2026my backyard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

47/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

47/18/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

47/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

47/18/2026

Western Gull

67/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/18/2026

Great Egret

107/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

107/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/18/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/18/2026

Barn Swallow

127/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

127/18/2026

Wrentit

17/18/2026

House Finch

17/18/2026

American Goldfinch

17/18/2026

Song Sparrow

17/18/2026

California Towhee

17/18/2026

Cinnamon Teal

77/17/2026

Gadwall

127/17/2026

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 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.