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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/12/2026Elk River Mouth and Hikshari Trail1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/12/2026Warren Creek Rd.8 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/9/2026Hiller Park and Mad River Bluffs1 observed

Northern Fulmar

Fulmarus glacialis

7/6/2026US (40.833, -124.271)2 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/6/2026Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

7/6/2026Humboldt Bay--North Spit jetty2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

47/13/2026

Northern Harrier

17/13/2026

Black Phoebe

37/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/13/2026

Violet-green Swallow

67/13/2026

Purple Martin

47/13/2026

Wrentit

27/13/2026

Swainson's Thrush

17/13/2026

American Goldfinch

47/13/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

57/13/2026

Song Sparrow

107/13/2026

Osprey

17/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/13/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

27/13/2026

Western Flycatcher

27/13/2026

American Crow

17/13/2026

Common Raven

17/13/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

67/13/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

17/13/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/13/2026

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.