Early Bird Tour and Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve

Hello Friends,

Please join me for an Early Bird Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve. We will meet at the Visitor's Center at 8:15 am, located at 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville.

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. (Please bring water, sunscreen, hat, snack, etc.).

This tour is recommended for birders of all backgrounds and experience levels.

To learn more about this amazing reserve and one of California's last coastal wetlands, visit: https://elkhornslough.org/

I look forward to seeing you and some cool birds!

Best,

Susan