Klamath River mouth

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Klamath River mouth is a productive birding destination in California, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and Black-legged Kittiwake among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Bufflehead Common Merganser Black-legged Kittiwake Short-billed Gull Western Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/25/2026Bald Hills Rd. mi. 0.0 – 0.51 observed

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

5/23/2026121137 U.S. 101, Orick, California, US (41.29, -124.058)1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/23/2026Battery Point Beach South1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/23/2026Redwood NP: Skunk Cabbage trail / Robinson Road13 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/20/2026Klamath River--US 101 bridge2 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

5/20/2026Klamath River--US 101 bridge3 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/20/2026Klamath River Mouth --South Side for BBA1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/19/2026Crescent City Harbor--Beach Front Park3 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

5/19/2026Doctor Rock Trail1 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

5/19/2026Doctor Rock Trail4 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/18/2026Drydens Rd. levee1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

5/19/2026

Black Oystercatcher

5/19/2026

Caspian Tern

5/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

5/19/2026

Brown Pelican

5/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

5/19/2026

Osprey

5/19/2026

Bald Eagle

5/19/2026

American Crow

5/19/2026

Pacific Wren

5/19/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Klamath River mouth for birding?▼

The best months to visit Klamath River mouth for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Klamath River mouth?▼

Notable species at Klamath River mouth include Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Black-legged Kittiwake, Short-billed Gull, Western Gull. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Klamath River mouth?▼

Birding at Klamath River mouth is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Klamath River mouth?▼

Klamath River mouth offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.