Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island

California · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, and Bald Eagle among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Common Raven Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/9/2026Centerville Restoration Project--Cannibal Island SW CBBA block1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/7/2026stakeout Costa's Hummingbird, McKinleyville (2025-2026)1 observed

Northern Fulmar

Fulmarus glacialis

7/6/2026US (40.833, -124.271)2 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/6/2026Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

7/6/2026Humboldt Bay--North Spit jetty2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/5/2026Blue Lake cottonwoods1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

57/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/3/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/3/2026

Long-billed Curlew

37/3/2026

Western Gull

127/3/2026

Great Egret

657/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

157/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/3/2026

Northern Flicker

17/3/2026

Black Phoebe

27/3/2026

American Crow

27/3/2026

Common Raven

27/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/3/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

17/3/2026

Violet-green Swallow

57/3/2026

Barn Swallow

127/3/2026

European Starling

27/3/2026

Swainson's Thrush

27/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/3/2026

House Finch

47/3/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island for birding?▼

The best months to visit Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island?▼

Notable species at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island include Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Common Raven, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island?▼

Birding at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island?▼

Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.