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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/18/2026Stakeout Yellow-throated Warbler (2026)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

4/18/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch (Pacific)

Sitta carolinensis

4/18/2026Kneeland Rd. btwn. Mountain View Rd. & Showers Pass Rd.2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/18/2026Samoa Blvd, Arcata US-CA 40.86834, -124.118661 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

4/18/2026Kneeland Road, Kneeland, California, US (40.698, -123.939)4 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/18/2026Humboldt Bay--North Spit jetty6 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/18/2026Blue Lake cottonwoods1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/18/2026Loleta Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

14/15/2026

Ross's Goose

14/15/2026

Cackling Goose

1424/15/2026

Gadwall

24/15/2026

Mallard

64/15/2026

Bufflehead

24/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/15/2026

Vaux's Swift

64/15/2026

American Coot

44/15/2026

Black-bellied Plover

154/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Semipalmated Plover

34/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

94/15/2026

Marbled Godwit

2364/15/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

244/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/15/2026

Peregrine Falcon

14/15/2026

Black Phoebe

14/15/2026

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.