Arcata Bottoms - V Saint Loop

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Arcata Bottoms - V Saint Loop is a productive birding destination in California, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Western Grebe 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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/2026333-399 Sub Station Road, Ferndale, California, US (40.606, -124.208)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

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

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

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/1/2026Loleta Bottoms--O'Neil Dairy1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

113/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

3/6/2026

Gadwall

23/6/2026

American Wigeon

3/6/2026

Mallard

3/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/6/2026

American Coot

3/6/2026

Wilson's Snipe

13/6/2026

Horned Grebe

23/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

83/6/2026

Northern Harrier

43/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

American Kestrel

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

13/6/2026

Common Raven

43/6/2026

Tree Swallow

73/6/2026

Barn Swallow

23/6/2026

Marsh Wren

3/6/2026

House Finch

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

33/6/2026

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