Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit is a productive birding destination in California, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/2026333-399 Sub Station Road, Ferndale, California, US (40.606, -124.208)1 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

3/5/2026my yard1 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

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

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

Cackling Goose

3/5/2026

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

American Coot

3/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

White-tailed Kite

13/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

23/5/2026

Black Phoebe

3/5/2026

Tree Swallow

3/5/2026

Bushtit

3/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/5/2026

Marsh Wren

3/5/2026

American Robin

53/5/2026

House Finch

3/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/5/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

3/5/2026

Song Sparrow

3/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3/5/2026

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 National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Coot, Great Egret. The area supports coastal, river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit?
Birding at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit?
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.