Besides its widely-acclaimed Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, located entirely within the city of Arcata, you can explore eight other birding areas all within 25 miles of Arcata. May. Songbirds are abundant from spring through fall. A variety of the more common raptors reside or visit here seasonally. From October through April, look for waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. Freshwater Marshes and Ponds Supplied with treated wastewater, Allen, Gearhart and Hauser Marshes, which border South I Street, attract nesting Mallards, Cinnamon Teal, Pied-billed Grebes and American Coots in summer.
Ducks use the islands in the marshes as places to loaf.
Sora, Virginia Rail and American Bitterns hide among the cattails. Perching birds, other ducks and nesting Coots are found here as well. Look for Northern Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasbacks, Scaup and gulls. This area has supported several rarities over the years. The lake's three islands provide high-tide roosting for shorebirds, gulls and pelicans.