Both McNabney Marsh and Moorhen Marsh are part of the Peyton Slough Wetlands Complex in the Peyton Slough Watershed. The MVSD wetlands provide habitat for over 125 species of birds with approximately 30 species known to nest here. As many as 25 species of mammals have been documented using the wetlands and associated uplands including the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse. Reptiles, like the western pond turtle and gopher snake, and amphibians like the Pacific chorus frog and slender salamander though not as abundant as many of the birds, can be great fun to look for in the marsh system. Fishing is not allowed but fish watching is approved! Native species include three-spinned stickleback, Sacramento perch, and tule perch.
Visitors have access to both McNabney Marsh (via the observation platform) and Moorhen Marsh Monday – Thursday from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm and Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. There is no access on observed holidays. Additionally, the observation platform is also open the first Saturday of the month from 7:00 am – 4:30 pm. Visitors on site Monday – Friday need to check in at the Administration Building before heading out. Download driving directions and map here.
If you would like to make special arrangements to bring a group of people out for a birding field trip, report a cool wildlife sighting in the marsh system, or ask a question about the wetlands and wildlife, contact the District Biologist at kdavidson@mvsd.org.
Download the MVSD Bird Checklist to help you identify these different species of avian visitors to our marshes.
Download a brochure on the western pond turtle here.
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- A gorgeous great blue heron – the MVSD logo!
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- A snowy egret in breeding plumage forages for small fish.
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- A green heron in in Peyton Slough.
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- A black-crowned night heron flying over Moorhen Marsh. Photo by Matt Kline.
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- A great egret in Moorhen Marsh shows off its breeding plumage.
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- A male red-winged blackbird sings to defend his territory in Moorhen Marsh. Photo by Matt Kline.
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- A flock of American Avocets are a lovely site in their breeding plumage colors.
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- An adult male black-necked stilt forages in shallow water for invertebrates.
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- A researcher holds a salt marsh harvest mouse. Photo by Kate Allen.
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- A clan of nine river otters resting on a tule mat in Pond E of Moorhen Marsh.
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- A California jack rabbit is on high alert in McNabney Marsh.
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- A muskrat swimming in Moorhen Marsh.
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- A male western pond turtle on a basking raft in Pond E in Moorhen Marsh.
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- A gopher snake makes its getaway from the photographer in McNabney Marsh.
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- Western fence lizards are commonly found around rocks, logs, fences, and buildings around MVSD.
