Coastal birding habitat

Humboldt Bay - King Salmon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay - King Salmon is a productive birding destination in California, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Western Gull, and Eared 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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/17/2026Chah-GAH-Cho Trail1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/15/2026stakeout Ruby-throated Hummingbird, New St., Eureka (2014)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/14/2026Eureka Waterfront--Elk River mouth1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/14/2026Beau Pre Golf Club (restricted access)4 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/12/2026Russ Ranch Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

47/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/12/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

37/12/2026

Common Murre

37/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

77/12/2026

Western Gull

37/12/2026

Caspian Tern

17/12/2026

Red-throated Loon

37/12/2026

Common Loon

57/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

107/12/2026

Great Egret

37/12/2026

Brown Pelican

107/12/2026

Osprey

27/12/2026

Barn Swallow

27/12/2026

House Sparrow

17/12/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

37/12/2026

White-winged Scoter

17/10/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

37/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/10/2026

Northern Harrier

17/10/2026

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 Humboldt Bay - King Salmon for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay - King Salmon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon include Mallard, Western Gull, Eared Grebe, Common Loon, Pelagic Cormorant. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon?
Birding at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon?
Humboldt Bay - King Salmon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.