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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

7/8/2026Bald Hills Rd.--Walker Ridge Rd. to Coyote Rock trail turnoff (mi. 15.9 – 18.4)5 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/7/2026stakeout Costa's Hummingbird, McKinleyville (2025-2026)1 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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/5/2026Blue Lake cottonwoods1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

7/5/2026Redwood NP--Lyons Ranch Trail6 observed

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/5/2026Redwood NP--Lyons Ranch Trail2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

27/7/2026

Black-bellied Plover

37/7/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

237/7/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/7/2026

Western Sandpiper

1427/7/2026

Western Gull

337/7/2026

California Gull

457/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/7/2026

Brown Pelican

87/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/7/2026

Osprey

17/7/2026

Steller's Jay

27/7/2026

American Crow

37/7/2026

Common Raven

147/7/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/7/2026

Wrentit

17/7/2026

Pacific Wren

17/7/2026

Swainson's Thrush

17/7/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/7/2026

House Finch

17/7/2026

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.