McKinleyville - Vista Point

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

McKinleyville - Vista Point is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Common Merganser, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

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

Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)

Agelaius phoeniceus

3/4/2026Pacheco Lane Pond (40.8668,-124.1143)1 observed

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

3/3/2026Bald Hills Rd, Blue Lake US-CA 41.19530, -123.941234 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/3/2026Irving Home1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/2/2026Sue-Meg State Park--Wedding Rock1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/1/2026Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

3/1/2026Mad River Rd riparian--Canal School to Mad River Rd dairy1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

32/23/2026

Common Merganser

12/23/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

12/23/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

12/23/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

12/23/2026

Short-billed Gull

1002/23/2026

Ring-billed Gull

32/23/2026

Western Gull

112/23/2026

American Herring Gull

32/23/2026

Common Loon

12/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

52/23/2026

Great Egret

12/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/23/2026

Common Raven

52/23/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

82/23/2026

Wrentit

82/23/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

42/23/2026

Pacific Wren

12/23/2026

Hermit Thrush

22/23/2026

American Robin

62/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McKinleyville - Vista Point for birding?
The best months to visit McKinleyville - Vista Point for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at McKinleyville - Vista Point?
Notable species at McKinleyville - Vista Point include Surf Scoter, Common Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird, Spotted Sandpiper, Bonaparte's Gull. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at McKinleyville - Vista Point?
Birding at McKinleyville - Vista Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McKinleyville - Vista Point?
McKinleyville - Vista Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.