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.
South I Street, Arcata: The parking lot next to Klopp Lake at the Arcata Marsh is the best vantage point on Arcata Bay. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting. The number of shorebirds that can be seen here, especially in mid-April, is mind-boggling. It’s worth walking east along the levee to the mouth of Jolly Giant Creek, where avocets congregate, and north to the edge of the salt marsh, where large numbers of plovers and sandpipers roost on high tides.Woodley Island: Park at the westbound Woodley Island exit to view the marsh and mudflats of Daby and Woodley Islands. Shorebirds concentrate here, and the deeper water attracts loons, grebes, pelicans and many others. Keep an eye open for peregrine falcons, which often roost on the bridge. The view here is northeast, so this site is good during the middle of the day.Elk River mouth, Eureka: This site is best at lower tides, when the shoreline around the Elk River spit is exposed. Gulls, terns, cormorants and pelicans loaf here in large numbers. Park at the small parking lot at the bend of Hilfiker Lane. The view is west, so morning is best. The Eureka Waterfront Trail in both directions offers more viewing opportunities.Buhne Point, King Salmon: Park where King Salmon Avenue becomes Buhne Drive and climb the short trail up the hill. Directly oppo- site the Bay’s entrance channel, this site overlooks the deepest area of the Bay and is rewarding regardless of the tide. Look here for ocean species such as auklets and jaegers that don’t typically venture farther into the Bay. The view is mainly northwest, so it’s good in the morning and early afternoon.Ken Burton is an author, guide, musician, ornithologist and teacher. His books include “A Birding Guide to Humboldt County,” “Common Birds of Northwest California” and “Hiking Humboldt.” He coordinates the Saturday Arcata Marsh bird walk program, serves on the Humboldt Trails Council Board of Directors and lives in McKinleyville.Photo: Great white egret by Aldaron Laird.
