Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard Green-winged Teal Marbled Godwit Ring-billed Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

3/6/2026Eel River--Fortuna riverfront2 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)

Agelaius phoeniceus

3/6/2026Humboldt Bay NWR--Salmon Creek Unit1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/5/2026Arcata Bottoms--Upper Bay/Lanphere Rd.1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/2026333-399 Sub Station Road, Ferndale, California, US (40.606, -124.208)1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

3/4/2026Arcata Bottoms--Jackson Ranch Rd.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Pacheco Lane Pond (40.8668,-124.1143)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/4/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/3/2026Ferndale Bottoms--Goble Lane east of Sage rd.1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/3/2026Irving Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2/22/2026

Mallard

2/22/2026

Green-winged Teal

2/22/2026

Marbled Godwit

42/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

12/22/2026

Great Egret

22/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/22/2026

American Crow

32/22/2026

Song Sparrow

2/22/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)?▼

Notable species at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Marbled Godwit, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)?▼

Birding at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)?▼

Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.