Humboldt Bay - South Spit

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay - South Spit is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Black-bellied Plover, and Long-billed Curlew 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

8002/26/2026

Black-bellied Plover

32/26/2026

Long-billed Curlew

12/26/2026

Marbled Godwit

182/26/2026

Willet

22/26/2026

Dunlin

202/26/2026

Least Sandpiper

102/26/2026

Western Gull

22/26/2026

Great Egret

22/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

22/26/2026

White-tailed Kite

32/26/2026

Northern Harrier

32/26/2026

Northern Flicker

12/26/2026

Black Phoebe

22/26/2026

Common Raven

52/26/2026

Marsh Wren

32/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

82/26/2026

Savannah Sparrow

52/26/2026

Song Sparrow

22/26/2026

Western Meadowlark

112/26/2026

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 - South Spit for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay - South Spit for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay - South Spit?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay - South Spit include Brant, Black-bellied Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay - South Spit?
Birding at Humboldt Bay - South Spit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay - South Spit?
Humboldt Bay - South Spit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.