Coastal birding habitat

Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

6/2/2026"Los Arboles" jcp3 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/2/2026Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP)1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

6/2/2026Eureka Waterfront--Elk River mouth1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/2/2026V.St Loop,Arcata Bottoms14 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

6/2/2026Friedrichsen home4 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

6/1/2026Arcata Bottoms--V St. loop1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

6/1/2026Eureka Waterfront--Elk River mouth1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

105/26/2026

Common Loon

15/26/2026

Great Egret

35/26/2026

Brown Pelican

15/26/2026

Osprey

25/26/2026

American Crow

25/26/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/26/2026

Barn Swallow

25/26/2026

American Robin

15/26/2026

House Finch

45/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

35/26/2026

Song Sparrow

15/26/2026

Caspian Tern

15/26/2026

American White Pelican

15/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/26/2026

Canada Goose

85/23/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/23/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/23/2026

Semipalmated Plover

405/23/2026

Long-billed Curlew

15/23/2026

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 - 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.