McCluskey Slough (restricted access)

McCluskey Slough (restricted access)

Moss Landing, California 95039

Tips for Birding

Giberson Road is the only route to drive to Zmudowski State Beach, which is a well-worked Hotspot by both locals and visitors. Its six 90-degree turns zig and zag from Struve Road to Zmudowski Pond. This road is paved, but often rutted or windswept by sand, and quite narrow. One can bird from the shoulders of the road in some places, but beware of agricultural vehicles and workers. At one or two spot, one can view the privately-owned McCluskey Slough to the east, with a scope.

McCluskey Slough is a connecting series of ponds and marshes from the publically-accessible Zmudowski Pont at Zmudowski State Beach (to the wet) to the publicly-viewable Bennett Slough (to the east, near Highway 1). However, it is entirely surrounded by private agriculural land and private dirt roads. Some local birders have arranged access to survey McCluskey Slough regularly, but none of the ponds or marshes are open to the public.

Birds of Interest

An additional location for American Bittern, Common Gallinule, and Canvasback or Redhead in some years. The public can look for these same species at Zmudowski State Beach pond (see that Hotspot).

About this Location

This Hotspot has no public access.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

  • Roadside viewing

Last updated August 22, 2023