FOR WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY, these pictures from The Arcata Marsh, where we spent a couple of days last week. It is in Northern California. This Marsh is not only one of the coolest birding places ever, it is simply one of the coolest PLACES ever.
We have visited it several times in the past, because the Humbolt Bay area of Northern California was always one of our favorite long-weekend destinations when we lived in Oregon (in our other life, when we worked and owned a home in Springfield).
The reason this place delights me every time I think of it is that this whole wonderful 300 plus acre wetlands area was created to serve as part of the City of Arcata's wastewater treatment system. Nearly all of it is accessible to the public on trails. The Sanctuary includes freshwater ponds, tidal mudflats, saltwater marshes and an interpretive center. The Marsh once was the site of a landfill and several lumber mills and some remnants of train tracks and loading areas remain.
The former leach pond is now a brackish water pond known as Klopp Lake, where thousands of shorebirds visit annually.
You can read more about the MARSH by clicking this link. Or better yet, go visit it. You won't be disappointed.
What a great place. I love to watch birds...
Posted by: pat | November 28, 2011 at 05:38 PM
Beautiful place and beautiful birds ! Thanks !
Posted by: Annie-France | November 28, 2011 at 12:41 PM
I don't recall ever seeing so many birds at one time... great to see it in your photos, Sallie. You're sure making the most of this road trip going home!
Posted by: Francisca | November 28, 2011 at 08:47 AM
It looks like there were a lot more birds than when we were there. Summer is not the best time to go birding at the marsh.
Posted by: Martha | November 27, 2011 at 06:43 PM
Nice shots of all the shorebirds Sallie! Isn't Arcata Marsh and Humbolt Bay one of the coolest birding spots ever? It's amazing how they turned a dump into one of the best birding wetlands on the coast!
Posted by: Larry Jordan | November 24, 2011 at 07:41 PM
You got some great shots of the marsh and birds.
Posted by: Carver | November 23, 2011 at 04:59 PM
We had 22 wild turkeys visit today! These birds are a lot prettier!
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | November 23, 2011 at 01:58 PM
beautiful. I love it. That is the worst thing about where I live . No vaders at all. I´m in the inland. Great shots. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep Travel | November 23, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Wonderful captures of the bird life.
Posted by: LindyLouMac in Italy | November 23, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Really cute birds, and wonderful shots of them!
Posted by: Inger-M | November 23, 2011 at 08:22 AM
It sounds like a fabulous birding area to visit, Sallie. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Hilke Breder | November 23, 2011 at 04:51 AM
Wow a man made wetland for all those beautiful birds. It is great to see.
Posted by: diane | November 22, 2011 at 11:28 PM
These are fabulous, Sallie, and such an interesting story about Arcata Marsh.
Posted by: Penny | November 22, 2011 at 09:20 PM
Lovely photos, I would love to visit sometime.
Posted by: Marilyn | November 22, 2011 at 05:57 PM
Happy times there Sallie. Your life list for Arcata marsh must be interesting. To live in Oregon sounds like a dream come true! I remember that Pacific coast highway and the secluded beaches from my trip there in...'72 was it? Oh my!
Posted by: springman | November 22, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Hi Sallie, it looks like a great place for birding. I enjoyed your photos of the shorebirds and waders. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Eileen | November 22, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Lovely shots!
Posted by: Pat | November 22, 2011 at 02:41 PM
That certainly looks a great place to visit.
Posted by: holdingmoments | November 22, 2011 at 12:18 PM
love to hear about former waste sites being returned to nature! :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | November 22, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Beautiful shots!
Posted by: CameraCruise | November 22, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Oh nice habitat for all those wetland birds..I would be happy about that too..
Posted by: Michelle | November 22, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Fun area to hike Sallie!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Posted by: Boom & Gary | November 22, 2011 at 10:19 AM
So many waders... what a wonderful place.
thanks for the link Sallie it's always lovely see the whole picture.
I hope you are keeping well... seems a while since we met up xx
Posted by: Andrew | November 22, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Beautiful shots of the shore birds!
Posted by: heyBJK | November 22, 2011 at 09:15 AM