Coastal birding habitat

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit is a productive birding destination in California, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/30/2026Hiller Park and Mad River Bluffs3 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

5/29/2026Loleta Bottoms - Hawk's Hill Rd1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/29/2026West End Ct. pond1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/29/2026Blue Lake cottonwoods1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/29/2026MAMU Survey--HM1106, Allen Creek1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/28/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary15 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/28/2026Copenhagen Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

65/28/2026

Gadwall

15/28/2026

Mallard

305/28/2026

Great Egret

35/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/28/2026

Northern Harrier

25/28/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/28/2026

Black Phoebe

35/28/2026

Tree Swallow

65/28/2026

Violet-green Swallow

15/28/2026

Barn Swallow

125/28/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/28/2026

Marsh Wren

65/28/2026

Swainson's Thrush

25/28/2026

American Robin

45/28/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/28/2026

Song Sparrow

155/28/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/28/2026

Bullock's Oriole

15/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

205/28/2026

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 National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Coot, Great Egret. The area supports coastal, river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit?
Birding at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit?
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.