Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

Fun Fact Friday! Did you know that hummingbirds are early nesters? Check out the Anna’s hummingbird fledging below, with some words from City Staff member George Z. who caught the precious moments. One of the chicks was taking short flights in and around the coyote bush that held the nest. Mom would visit with food between practice flights. Remember to be careful while doing any vegetation work or removal. Checking for any signs of nesting is important during the spring season to ensure nests are kept intact.

Fun Fact Friday! The Trinidad Coastal Land Trust is offering a bilingual birding walk in Spanish on Sunday, March 21st from 9-11 AM. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Email [email protected] if you have questions or want to register. Check out the images below for more information.

Fun Fact Friday! Did you know that you can find Marsh wrens (Cistothorus palustris) at the Arcata marsh? You’ll often hear their buzzy song before you see it, but they are commonly spotted hanging by each foot to a piece of vegetation! Since these little birds enjoy sticking to the plants, that’s typically where they forage for insects and spiders. Sometimes however, you’ll see them fly up to catch something passing by through the air. Both male and female marsh wrens are fairly territorial of their nesting area, and will even destroy eggs and nestlings of wrens and other birds Check out the link below to find out more about the Marsh wren! www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Marsh_Wren/overview

Fun Fact Friday! Did you know that the Golden-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) is one of the least known songbirds? They have only been subject of a few studies! This larger sparrow is a common winter inhabitant, but heads to the shrublands of British Columbia and Alaska. Gold rush miners also dubbed this bird weary willie because they thought its song sounded like it was saying I’m so tired. Keep an eye out for this sparrow by noticing it’s gray face that ha...s a black cap and small yellow crown patch. Click the link below to learn more about the Golden-crowned sparrow! https://www.allaboutbirds.org//Golden-crowned_Spa/overview

Fun Fact Friday! Did you know that the garden outside the Interpretive Center has been getting a makeover? While the Interpretive Center remains closed to the public, community volunteers Paul A. & Lynne A. have dedicated a lot of time to designing and creating a garden right outside the building! With financial and volunteer support from Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) and from the City of Arcata, they have been able to complete the first phase of replanting and mul...ching the area. There are more updates planned for later this year, so keep your eyes peeled for the growth of our native plant garden!

Nesting season has arrived, so it's time to avoid trimming or removing vegetation if you can! Check out the City of Arcata's post below to find some helpful guidelines to follow during nesting season!