Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty is a productive birding destination in California, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Black Turnstone, and Western Gull 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

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

Brant

13/6/2026

Surf Scoter

123/6/2026

White-winged Scoter

23/6/2026

Black Oystercatcher

23/6/2026

Black Turnstone

233/6/2026

Surfbird

73/6/2026

Short-billed Gull

23/6/2026

Western Gull

43/6/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

13/6/2026

Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

13/6/2026

Red-necked Grebe

23/6/2026

Western Grebe

23/6/2026

Red-throated Loon

43/6/2026

Pacific Loon

13/6/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Brown Pelican

33/6/2026

Burrowing Owl

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

23/6/2026

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 - North Spit jetty for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty include Surf Scoter, Black Turnstone, Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Brandt's Cormorant. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty?
Birding at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty?
Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.