Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and urban park habitat attracts Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Seabright SB1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

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

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

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

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

23/6/2026

American Avocet

13/6/2026

Marbled Godwit

23/6/2026

Forster's Tern

63/6/2026

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Mallard

23/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Black-bellied Plover

33/6/2026

Killdeer

53/6/2026

Semipalmated Plover

33/6/2026

Long-billed Curlew

23/6/2026

Willet

143/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

303/6/2026

Eared Grebe

13/6/2026

Common Loon

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

143/6/2026

Snowy Egret

23/6/2026

Brown Pelican

13/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park for birding?
The best months to visit Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park?
Notable species at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park include Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet. The area supports wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park?
Birding at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park?
Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.