Coastal birding habitat

Humboldt Bay - South Spit

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay - South Spit is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Black-bellied Plover, and Long-billed Curlew 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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

5/27/2026Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/27/2026Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)4 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/27/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop1 observed

Cackling Goose (Aleutian)

Branta hutchinsii

5/27/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop67 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/26/2026Arcata Bottoms--Moxon Ln./Vaissade Rd.1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/26/2026Bayshore Mall Parking Lot1 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

5/26/2026Hansen/Hauck gravel bar1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/26/2026Cooper Gulch Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/26/2026Cooper Gulch Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/26/2026Stakeout Yellow-throated Warbler (2026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/27/2026

Greater Scaup

15/27/2026

Surf Scoter

85/27/2026

Killdeer

15/27/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

25/27/2026

Common Murre

15/27/2026

Western Gull

185/27/2026

Caspian Tern

65/27/2026

Red-throated Loon

15/27/2026

Pacific Loon

15/27/2026

Common Loon

75/27/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

55/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/27/2026

Great Egret

135/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Brown Pelican

155/27/2026

Osprey

15/27/2026

Bald Eagle

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

25/27/2026

European Starling

95/27/2026

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 - South Spit for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay - South Spit for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay - South Spit?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay - South Spit include Brant, Black-bellied Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay - South Spit?
Birding at Humboldt Bay - South Spit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay - South Spit?
Humboldt Bay - South Spit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.