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

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

4/18/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/18/2026Stakeout Yellow-throated Warbler (2026)1 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

Brant

1504/17/2026

American Wigeon

464/17/2026

Greater Scaup

104/17/2026

Surf Scoter

654/17/2026

Vaux's Swift

14/17/2026

Black Oystercatcher

24/17/2026

Semipalmated Plover

284/17/2026

Marbled Godwit

24/17/2026

Western Sandpiper

54/17/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

24/17/2026

Common Murre

54/17/2026

Western Gull

34/17/2026

Red-necked Grebe

34/17/2026

Common Loon

124/17/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

204/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Brown Pelican

104/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Peregrine Falcon

14/17/2026

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.