Humboldt Bay - King Salmon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay - King Salmon is a productive birding destination in California, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Western Gull, and Eared Grebe among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

3/6/2026Eel River--Fortuna riverfront2 observed

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

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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/3/2026Ferndale Bottoms--Goble Lane east of Sage rd.1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/3/2026Irving Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

63/6/2026

Horned Grebe

13/6/2026

Eared Grebe

13/6/2026

Red-throated Loon

13/6/2026

Common Loon

33/6/2026

European Starling

603/6/2026

Lapland Longspur

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

123/6/2026

Surf Scoter

43/6/2026

Western Gull

43/6/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

13/6/2026

Osprey

13/6/2026

American Pipit

13/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

23/6/2026

Brant

153/6/2026

Dunlin

2003/6/2026

Short-billed Gull

43/6/2026

Red-necked Grebe

13/6/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

13/6/2026

Willet

13/6/2026

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 - King Salmon for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay - King Salmon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon include Mallard, Western Gull, Eared Grebe, Common Loon, Pelagic Cormorant. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon?
Birding at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay - King Salmon?
Humboldt Bay - King Salmon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.