Desert birding habitat

Arcata Bottoms - V Saint Loop

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Arcata Bottoms - V Saint Loop is a productive birding destination in California, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Western Grebe 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/28/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary15 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/28/2026Copenhagen Rd, duck ponds CBC1 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

5/28/2026Loleta (town)2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Mad River Fish Hatchery1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/28/2026Mad River Fish Hatchery1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

15/28/2026

Cinnamon Teal

15/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

25/28/2026

Gadwall

45/28/2026

Mallard

285/28/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

15/28/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

25/28/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

225/28/2026

Green-winged Teal

25/27/2026

Semipalmated Plover

95/27/2026

Least Sandpiper

15/27/2026

Western Sandpiper

25/27/2026

Violet-green Swallow

105/27/2026

Barn Swallow

505/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

205/27/2026

Marsh Wren

135/27/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

25/27/2026

Savannah Sparrow

55/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

305/27/2026

Northern Pintail

15/27/2026

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