Clam and Little River State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Clam and Little River State Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Western Grebe, Mallard, and Wilson's Snipe 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

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

Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)

Agelaius phoeniceus

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

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

3/3/2026Bald Hills Rd, Blue Lake US-CA 41.19530, -123.941234 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

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

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/1/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

3/1/2026Mad River Rd riparian--Canal School to Mad River Rd dairy1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Grebe

22/28/2026

Mallard

22/27/2026

Wilson's Snipe

12/27/2026

Short-billed Gull

702/27/2026

Western Gull

12/27/2026

California Gull

32/27/2026

American Crow

22/27/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

32/27/2026

Marsh Wren

32/27/2026

Canada Goose

142/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

182/25/2026

Steller's Jay

22/25/2026

Common Raven

352/25/2026

White-tailed Kite

12/23/2026

Black Phoebe

12/23/2026

Wrentit

22/23/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

32/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

22/23/2026

Song Sparrow

62/23/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

52/23/2026

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 Clam and Little River State Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Clam and Little River State Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Clam and Little River State Beach?
Notable species at Clam and Little River State Beach include Western Grebe, Mallard, Wilson's Snipe, Short-billed Gull, Western Gull. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clam and Little River State Beach?
Birding at Clam and Little River State Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clam and Little River State Beach?
Clam and Little River State Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.