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

Loading map...

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

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

4/18/2026Loleta Bottoms--Cannibal Island Rd.18 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch (Pacific)

Sitta carolinensis

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

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/18/2026Crab Park10 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/18/2026Blue Lake cottonwoods1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

134/18/2026

Gadwall

74/18/2026

American Wigeon

64/18/2026

Mallard

124/18/2026

Northern Pintail

84/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

244/18/2026

American Coot

154/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/18/2026

Great Egret

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Peregrine Falcon

14/18/2026

Black Phoebe

24/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/18/2026

Barn Swallow

194/18/2026

Marsh Wren

104/18/2026

European Starling

144/18/2026

House Finch

44/18/2026

American Goldfinch

34/18/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

64/18/2026

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.