Mad River County Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mad River County Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Common Merganser, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

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

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026Trinidad--Trinidad Museum area1 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

Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)

Agelaius phoeniceus

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

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/3/2026Irving Home1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/2/2026Sue-Meg State Park--Wedding Rock1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/1/2026Table Bluff--Phelan rd.1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/1/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

3/1/2026Mad River Rd riparian--Canal School to Mad River Rd dairy1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Merganser

53/3/2026

Canada Goose

22/21/2026

Mallard

22/21/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

32/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

22/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

62/21/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

42/21/2026

Wrentit

42/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

102/21/2026

Marsh Wren

12/21/2026

American Robin

82/21/2026

Fox Sparrow

22/21/2026

Song Sparrow

32/21/2026

Spotted Towhee

12/21/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

12/21/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

302/21/2026

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 Mad River County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Mad River County Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mad River County Park?
Notable species at Mad River County Park include Common Merganser, Canada Goose, Mallard, Anna's Hummingbird, Turkey Vulture. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mad River County Park?
Birding at Mad River County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Mad River County Park?
Mad River County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.