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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/11/2026Eureka Waterfront--Elk River mouth1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

7/11/2026Humboldt Bay--North Spit jetty1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/10/2026Russ Ranch Wetlands1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/9/2026Hiller Park and Mad River Bluffs1 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

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

7/6/2026Centerville Road--Russ Ranch Overlook and willows at 40.5749021, -124.34185461 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

67/11/2026

Mallard

57/11/2026

Virginia Rail

47/11/2026

Great Egret

37/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/11/2026

Black Phoebe

27/11/2026

Common Raven

27/11/2026

Tree Swallow

57/11/2026

Barn Swallow

307/11/2026

Cliff Swallow

157/11/2026

Wrentit

17/11/2026

Marsh Wren

17/11/2026

American Robin

27/11/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/11/2026

House Sparrow

17/11/2026

House Finch

17/11/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

37/11/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/11/2026

Song Sparrow

37/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/11/2026

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.