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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/12/2026Russ Ranch Wetlands1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/12/2026Elk River Mouth and Hikshari Trail1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/12/2026Warren Creek Rd.8 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/9/2026Hiller Park and Mad River Bluffs1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Allen's Hummingbird

17/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/12/2026

Steller's Jay

27/12/2026

Common Raven

27/12/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

37/12/2026

Violet-green Swallow

27/12/2026

American Robin

27/12/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

17/12/2026

Song Sparrow

17/12/2026

Brant

47/12/2026

Mallard

67/12/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/12/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

27/12/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/12/2026

Semipalmated Plover

57/12/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

127/12/2026

Marbled Godwit

1507/12/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

1007/12/2026

Willet

47/12/2026

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.