Birdwatching in Del Norte County

A Bird Watcher Paradise - 422 Species in One Tiny County

Del Norte County is one of the most exciting and scenic places to visit in search of birds in California. This tiny county in the most northwestern corner of the state is known for its diversity of habitats; majestic redwood forests, dramatic shoreline, the West Coast’s largest coastal lagoon, open and forested sand dunes, hidden ponds, year-round creeks, and pristine rivers.

It has recorded 422 species of birds, more than eighteen entire states and nine Canadian territories and provinces. The rugged natural beauty of the California Redwoods Birding Trail is unrivaled. This is a place where ancient redwoods thrive, rivers run free, wild salmon still spawn, and rare bird, plant, and fish species rebound rather than disappear.

Aleutian Goose Festival

Each year, Del Norte County hosts the annual Aleutian Goose Festival. Tens of thousands of this once endangered species visit here each spring. When planning your schedule, make sure you include the phenomenal spectacle of the Goose Fly-off at Dawn, and at least one trip to see the Fields of Geese feeding in outlying farmlands.

During the festival you can find time for other nature, birding, and heritage excursions. Join local and regional naturalists, biologists, botanists, ornithologists, and historians for a chance to enjoy some of Del Norte County's abundant natural and cultural offerings.

The festival is organized with several different themes. Reflecting the diversity of birds, habitats, wildlife, culture, and history found in our unique region, each theme can be explored in totality or samplings can be taken from several. We also offer many other specialized programs led by experts including American Indians. The next festival will be in March 2008.  Find out more.

• See a complete list of birds recorded in Del Norte County (.pdf).
• Northwest California Bird Alert and Birder’s Info-line (sponsored by the Redwood Region Audubon Society): To leave or listen to recent Northern California sightings call: 707-822-LOON
• Del Norte County, California Birding Pages by Joe Morlan
• Birdbox: A review of recent Northwest California sightings and records.
• Castle Rock Wildlife Refuge: Real Time Video of seabirds on the refuge.