Sue-Meg State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sue-Meg State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Steller's Jay, Common Raven, and Chestnut-backed Chickadee among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

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

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Arcata Bottoms — Pacheco Rd1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)

Agelaius phoeniceus

2/26/2026lower redwood creek-north levee1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Steller's Jay

2/27/2026

Common Raven

2/27/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

2/27/2026

Wrentit

2/27/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

2/27/2026

Pacific Wren

2/27/2026

Song Sparrow

2/27/2026

Great Horned Owl

12/26/2026

Surf Scoter

312/25/2026

White-winged Scoter

22/25/2026

Common Murre

52/25/2026

Western Grebe

52/25/2026

Red-throated Loon

12/25/2026

Pacific Loon

12/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/25/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

12/25/2026

American Robin

22/25/2026

Red Crossbill

42/25/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

82/25/2026

Black Oystercatcher

12/23/2026

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 Sue-Meg State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sue-Meg State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sue-Meg State Park?
Notable species at Sue-Meg State Park include Steller's Jay, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Wrentit, Golden-crowned Kinglet. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sue-Meg State Park?
Birding at Sue-Meg State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sue-Meg State Park?
Sue-Meg State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.