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

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

Western Gull

84/15/2026

Common Loon

24/15/2026

Snowy Egret

14/15/2026

Brown Pelican

14/15/2026

American Crow

24/15/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

44/15/2026

Cackling Goose

24/14/2026

Canada Goose

24/14/2026

American Wigeon

14/14/2026

Surf Scoter

14/14/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

24/14/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

44/14/2026

Long-billed Curlew

24/14/2026

Marbled Godwit

84/14/2026

Willet

44/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/14/2026

Caspian Tern

14/14/2026

Western Grebe

14/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/14/2026

Great Egret

404/14/2026

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.