Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island

California · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, and Bald Eagle 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

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

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

Canada Goose

22/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

652/21/2026

Bald Eagle

12/21/2026

Common Raven

12/21/2026

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 - Woodley Island for birding?
The best months to visit Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island?
Notable species at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island include Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Common Raven, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island?
Birding at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island?
Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.