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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

4/12/2026

Mallard

4/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

4/12/2026

Black-bellied Plover

4/12/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

4/12/2026

Marbled Godwit

4/12/2026

Willet

4/12/2026

Dunlin

4/12/2026

Least Sandpiper

4/12/2026

Western Sandpiper

4/12/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

4/12/2026

Great Egret

4/12/2026

Brown Pelican

4/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

4/12/2026

Bald Eagle

24/12/2026

American Crow

4/12/2026

Common Raven

4/12/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

4/12/2026

American Robin

4/12/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

4/12/2026

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.