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| Red-shouldered Hawk |
I couldn’t visit the Arcata/Eureka area of northern California
and not raise my glass to the City of Arcata’s innovative Arcata Marsh and
Wildlife Sanctuary. The 307 acre area is actually home to an inventive wastewater
treatment facility and operation, which, by integrating conventional and natural
treatment processes, also serves as a fantastic wildlife sanctuary. With 5.4
miles of navigable walking trails, there are abundant opportunities to view
wildlife, especially birds, as you make your way through freshwater and
saltwater marshes, mudflats and ponds. What could have been a no-mans land of
muck and grim like many conventional wastewater treatment facilities, this site,
maintained by the city, is a recreational gem for the community, serving as a
place to gather, to exercise, to find stillness, and to marvel at wildlife. I’ve
visited numerous times now since I’ve been in the area, and would put it on my “must-see”
list if I ever make it back to the area. Here is just a glimpse at a few of the birds I've seen at the marsh.
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| Greater Yellowlegs |
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| Flock of Marbled Godwits |
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| Willet |
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| Great Egret |
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