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Birds
of Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Tour
Elkhorn Slough is one of the premier bird watching
sites and by far the best water-bird habitat in the western United States.
More than 340 species visit or find permanent refuge here.
The entire State Beach itself is full of birds -- gulls, terns diving offshore in season, shorebirds flocks of Snowy Plover in season, and rarities such as Wilson's & Mongolian. Huge swirling flocks of Sooty Shearwaters can be just offshore in spring through fall. Sea ducks, loons, grebes and gulls are the specialties, and in winter all 3 scoters may be present (Black is rare) plus an occasional Long-tailed Duck, Red-necked Grebe, or something even better (Emperor Goose in 1978).
The more northerly ponds are mostly kept dry for an important breeding colony of endangered Snowy Plovers. The tremendous number and variety of birds at the slough attracts thousands of bird watchers from across the country each year. The tour covers Elkhorn Slough and adjacent marshlands, uplands, beaches, and near-shore birds seen from these beaches. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!