Harkins Slough

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Harkins Slough is a productive birding destination in California, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, and American Coot 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/5/2026San Lorenzo River mouth1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 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

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/3/2026Chesbro Reservoir1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/3/2026Natural Bridges SB1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/2/2026Calero CP--Casa Loma Rd. access1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

22/26/2026

Ruddy Duck

42/26/2026

American Coot

22/26/2026

Western Gull

102/26/2026

California Gull

5002/26/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

52/26/2026

Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

12/26/2026

American Herring x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

22/26/2026

Clark's Grebe

22/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

102/26/2026

Great Egret

12/26/2026

American White Pelican

182/26/2026

Osprey

12/26/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/26/2026

Black Phoebe

32/26/2026

Say's Phoebe

12/26/2026

American Crow

12/26/2026

Tree Swallow

32/26/2026

Bushtit

22/26/2026

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 Harkins Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Harkins Slough for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Harkins Slough?
Notable species at Harkins Slough include Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Western Gull, California Gull. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Harkins Slough?
Birding at Harkins Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Harkins Slough?
Harkins Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.