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

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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

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/17/2026Freshwater Farms Reserve1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

4/17/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary--Allen Marsh1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

4/17/20263076-3072 Cannibal Island Road, Ferndale, California, US (40.643, -124.286)10 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Crab Park5 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/17/2026Crab Park1 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

4/17/2026River Bar Road1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

4/17/2026Loleta Bottoms--O'Neil Dairy1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/17/2026Humboldt Bay NWR--Salmon Creek Unit2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

44/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

74/17/2026

Gadwall

24/17/2026

American Wigeon

14/17/2026

Mallard

304/17/2026

Northern Pintail

14/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

64/17/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

14/17/2026

American Coot

44/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Great Egret

44/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Northern Harrier

24/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

Black Phoebe

24/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

44/17/2026

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 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.