Lake birding habitat

Big Bear Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Big Bear Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/17/2026State Highway 38 at Valley of the Falls Drive4 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/13/2026Lake Arrowhead Village1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/12/2026Bluff Lake4 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed)

Leiothlypis celata

7/11/2026Metcalf Meadow--2N10 at 2N171 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

107/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/14/2026

Cliff Swallow

37/14/2026

House Sparrow

147/14/2026

House Finch

37/14/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

127/14/2026

Gadwall

157/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/14/2026

American Coot

107/14/2026

Killdeer

17/14/2026

Western Grebe

27/14/2026

Northern Flicker

17/14/2026

Black Phoebe

37/14/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

17/14/2026

Steller's Jay

27/14/2026

Common Raven

87/14/2026

Mountain Chickadee

47/14/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

47/14/2026

American Robin

17/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

87/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Bear Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Big Bear Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Big Bear Lake?
Notable species at Big Bear Lake include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Bear Lake?
Birding at Big Bear Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.