Coastal birding habitat

Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty is a productive birding destination in California, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Black Turnstone, and Western Gull 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

217/13/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/13/2026

Black Turnstone

17/13/2026

Surfbird

37/13/2026

Rhinoceros Auklet

37/13/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

37/13/2026

Common Murre

3207/13/2026

Heermann's Gull

507/13/2026

Western Gull

207/13/2026

California Gull

47/13/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

17/13/2026

Caspian Tern

27/13/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

107/13/2026

Brown Pelican

157/13/2026

Black Phoebe

17/13/2026

Barn Swallow

17/13/2026

White-winged Scoter

17/11/2026

California Quail

17/11/2026

Semipalmated Plover

197/11/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

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 - North Spit jetty for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty include Surf Scoter, Black Turnstone, Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Brandt's Cormorant. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty?
Birding at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty?
Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.