Event: Early Bird Tour

Date: First Saturday of every month

Location: The tour meets at the Reserve’s Visitor Center, located at 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076

Time: 8:30am

Details: Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides Steve Johnston and Robert Horn alternate leading these walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.

Know Before you Go:

No registration is required – the tour is filled on a first-come, first-served basis up to a capacity of 18. Guests may enter the Reserve starting at 8:15 am – note that the front gate will be closed before 8:15 am.

Depending on recent sightings, tour guides will decide on the morning of the tour whether to walk the trails at the Reserve itself, or lead people in a caravan-style to a higher-sighting location around the Elkhorn Slough. All offsite locations are within a 15 minute drive of the Reserve.

Regardless of whether the walk is onsite at the Reserve or departs for a different area, participants should be prepared to walk around 2-3 miles on gravel/dirt trails. The tours last around 3 hours, but guests may leave early if needed.

We recommend wearing good hiking shoes, layers, and bringing binoculars. Those without binoculars may borrow a pair at the Visitor Center.

This tour is recommended for birders of all backgrounds and experience levels, and is geared towards ages 16+

COVID POLICY: At this moment, masks are not required on outdoor events and tours. We do ask folks to keep physical distance in mind on the trails, and space has been limited to ensure ample room. If you or someone you’ve been in close contact with has been exposed to COVID-19, test positive for COVID-19 OR shows symptoms of a cold, like fever, runny nose, cough, or nausea, please do not attend the event.

Early Bird Tour at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve