Wildlife

No coverage of what makes Humboldt Bay special would be complete without mention of its birdlife. You may know that the Bay is a mecca for birders, but did you know that it is a site of hemispheric importance to shorebirds, and that several types of birds probably would not survive without it? It’s not just special — it’s crucial!
Over 100 bird species use Humboldt Bay’s waters, mudflats and marshes. These include ducks, grebes, coots, avocets, plovers, sandpipers, jaegers, murres, gulls, cormorants, pelicans, herons, ospreys and kingfishers.
When and where is Humboldt Bay birding best? Keep these general principles in mind:
  • ~ Bird abundance and diversity on the Bay are highest from August to April.
  • ~ High tides are usually better than low tides. Refer to a tide chart and try to arrive at your viewing location when a rising tide is between three and four feet. Birds will be pushed closer by the incoming water.

There are dozens of worthwhile viewing locations, but here are some of my favorites.

 

This article provides an overview of sport clamming in Humboldt Bay, and historical trends over time.

McVeigh, Brooke A. B.,  John J. Geibel, and Peter E. Kalvass. 2008. Sport Clamming in Humboldt Bay, California During 2008: Comparisons with Historical Survey Data. California Department of Fish and Game, Eureka, CA

 

The beginning of Dungeness crab season is always a time to celebrate, but with major concerns over the last few years regarding unsafe domoic acid levels, state health department officials continue to recommend not eating the internal organs (known as "crab butter"). 

Click HERE to download the brochure explaining this simple method of cleaning crabs before cooking to reduce your exposure to unsafe contaminants, including dioxins.
The good news is that Dungeness crab are low in mercury - see our 2021 mercury guidelines for more info.

0801062307051wave jumper P Rick GustafsonMore than 250 species of birds can be seen in and around Humboldt Bay. Many are year-round residents that nest in our region. Humboldt Bay is known for an abundance of migratory birds, and is a major stop on the Pacific Flyway. 
The bay’s mudflats providing excellent feeding-grounds for shorebirds, including American avocets, long-billed curlews, marbled godwits, and willits. During the summer months, common sightings include terns, cormorants, and pelicans, as well as resident egrets, herons, and migratory songbirds.

More Articles …

  1. Fisheries
Page 1 of 2

Current Projects

Report A Spill
California Coastkeeper