Coastal birding habitat

Clam and Little River State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Clam and Little River State Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Western Grebe, Mallard, and Wilson's Snipe 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

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

5/31/2026Bald Hills Rd.--Walker Ridge Rd. to Coyote Rock trail turnoff (mi. 15.9 – 18.4)2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/31/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop7 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/30/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

5/29/2026Big Lagoon County Park1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

5/29/2026McKinleyville--Fernwood Fowler home4 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/29/2026West End Ct. pond1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/29/2026Blue Lake cottonwoods1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

5/28/2026Redwood NP--Lyons Ranch Trail1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Mad River Fish Hatchery1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/28/2026Mad River Fish Hatchery1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/28/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/28/2026Mad River Estuary--Hammond Trail Bridge1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/28/2026Mad River County Park1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/27/2026Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)4 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/27/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop1 observed

Cackling Goose (Aleutian)

Branta hutchinsii

5/27/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop67 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

265/23/2026

Short-billed Gull

25/23/2026

Western Gull

375/23/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

45/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/23/2026

Brown Pelican

15/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/23/2026

Osprey

15/23/2026

American Crow

45/23/2026

Common Raven

15/23/2026

Barn Swallow

25/23/2026

Wrentit

15/23/2026

Marsh Wren

25/23/2026

Purple Finch

15/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/23/2026

Song Sparrow

25/23/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

15/23/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

15/19/2026

Great Egret

15/19/2026

Northern Harrier

25/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Clam and Little River State Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Clam and Little River State Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Clam and Little River State Beach?
Notable species at Clam and Little River State Beach include Western Grebe, Mallard, Wilson's Snipe, Short-billed Gull, Western Gull. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clam and Little River State Beach?
Birding at Clam and Little River State Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clam and Little River State Beach?
Clam and Little River State Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.