By Sadie Shields

As summer fades into fall, locals around Arcata and Eureka can spot a variety of local birds flying through the area. From shorebirds along Humboldt Bay, to birds in the marshes and the Community Forest, September offers a great time to get outside to look and learn about the local bird life. 

Birds are everywhere, they fly around, migrate, and only come out at certain times of the day. They are a vital part of the environment. 

Humboldt Bay provides an important rest stop for birds traveling through the Pacific Flyway, a major migration path that stretches along the West Coast. During this time of year, birders can find species like black-bellied plovers, greater yellowlegs, long-billed dowitchers, western sandpipers and marbled godwits, around Humboldt Bay, spotted on the Friends of the Dunes Beach and near Trinity.

The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is a prime spot to spot birds while walking the beautiful trails. The marsh’s ponds, mudflats and surrounding vegetation provide different habitats for birds throughout the year. For those looking toward the water, great blue herons, great egrets, double-crested cormorants and brown pelicans can be seen around Humboldt Bay. Birding provides an opportunity to slow down, breathe, and enjoy nature. 

Cal Poly Humboldt’s Birding Club, which meets on Fridays in Fisheries 258, offers a great opportunity to learn more about birding and listening to the calls around you. They are also a great way to meet new people and learn from peers. Beginning birders do not need expensive equipment — scopes, cameras, or watch lists. A pair of binoculars and Merlin Bird ID on your phone for bird calls is truly all you need to begin this adventure. Whether you decide to journey to the shoreline for a migrating shorebird or stay near campus to watch hummingbirds right in your backyard. Birding lets you explore the amazing environment around our seasonal home. 

Sadie is a reporter with an interest in covering and taking photos for sports and science. Reach her at sls331@humboldt.edu.