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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/17/20263480 Airport Road, McKinleyville, California, US (40.969, -124.117)1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/17/2026Freshwater Farms Reserve1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

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

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Hammond Trail--Vista Point6 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

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

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

4/17/2026River Bar Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

24/17/2026

California Quail

14/17/2026

Black-bellied Plover

34/17/2026

Black Turnstone

94/17/2026

Surfbird

44/17/2026

Dunlin

104/17/2026

Common Murre

14/17/2026

Western Gull

14/17/2026

Caspian Tern

14/17/2026

Western Grebe

34/17/2026

Clark's Grebe

14/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Brown Pelican

104/17/2026

Osprey

24/17/2026

Brant

124/17/2026

Bufflehead

64/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

14/17/2026

Red-throated Loon

14/17/2026

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 - 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.