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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/31/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop7 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

5/31/2026Loleta Pond1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

5/31/2026Fernbridge/Singley gravel bar1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/30/2026Copenhagen Rd.1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/30/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

5/29/2026McKinleyville--Fernwood Fowler home4 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

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

5/29/2026Eel River Estuary Preserve (access by permission only)1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

25/31/2026

Common Murre

95/31/2026

Heermann's Gull

15/31/2026

Western Gull

185/31/2026

Pacific Loon

15/31/2026

Common Loon

25/31/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

155/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

Brown Pelican

575/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Surf Scoter

15/18/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/18/2026

Wandering Tattler

45/18/2026

California Gull

265/18/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

35/18/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

35/18/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/18/2026

Barn Swallow

15/18/2026

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.