Desert birding habitat

Arcata Bottoms

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Arcata Bottoms is a productive birding destination in California, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

7/20/2026Trinidad Head1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/19/20262001 Fieldbrook Rd, McKinleyville US-CA 40.92858, -124.019624 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/19/2026Humboldt Bay NWR--Lanphere Dunes Unit (restricted access)1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/17/2026Chah-GAH-Cho Trail1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/14/2026Eureka Waterfront--Elk River mouth1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/14/2026Beau Pre Golf Club (restricted access)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

37/20/2026

Vaux's Swift

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

37/20/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Steller's Jay

37/20/2026

Common Raven

27/20/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

57/20/2026

Violet-green Swallow

37/20/2026

Wrentit

17/20/2026

Brown Creeper

37/20/2026

Pacific Wren

77/20/2026

Swainson's Thrush

77/20/2026

American Robin

27/20/2026

Song Sparrow

37/20/2026

Wilson's Warbler

17/20/2026

Gadwall

17/20/2026

Mallard

357/20/2026

Virginia Rail

37/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arcata Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Arcata Bottoms for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Arcata Bottoms?
Notable species at Arcata Bottoms include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arcata Bottoms?
Birding at Arcata Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Arcata Bottoms?
Arcata Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.