Arcata Bottoms

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Arcata Bottoms is a productive birding destination in California, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)

Agelaius phoeniceus

3/6/2026Humboldt Bay NWR--Salmon Creek Unit1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/5/2026Arcata Bottoms--Upper Bay/Lanphere Rd.1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026Trinidad--Trinidad Museum area1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

3/4/2026Arcata Bottoms--Jackson Ranch Rd.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Pacheco Lane Pond (40.8668,-124.1143)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/4/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/3/2026Irving Home1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/2/2026Sue-Meg State Park--Wedding Rock1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/1/2026Table Bluff--Phelan rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

142/21/2026

Canada Goose

652/21/2026

Northern Shoveler

22/21/2026

Gadwall

42/21/2026

American Wigeon

352/21/2026

Mallard

752/21/2026

Northern Pintail

12/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

72/21/2026

Bufflehead

22/21/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

22/21/2026

American Coot

12/21/2026

Black-bellied Plover

62/21/2026

Killdeer

102/21/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

42/21/2026

Long-billed Curlew

452/21/2026

Marbled Godwit

602/21/2026

Dunlin

32/21/2026

Short-billed Gull

902/21/2026

Western Gull

32/21/2026

Great Egret

382/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arcata Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Arcata Bottoms for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Arcata Bottoms?
Notable species at Arcata Bottoms include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arcata Bottoms?
Birding at Arcata Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Arcata Bottoms?
Arcata Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.