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

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

6/3/2026stakeout Kentucky Warbler--Rock Camp Fire Station (2023)1 observed

Clark's Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii

6/1/2026Lake Arrowhead Village1 observed

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

5/31/2026Smarts Ranch Rd (CA Atlas - Rattlesnake Canyon SW)1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/31/2026Monkeyface Falls viewpoint1 observed

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

5/31/2026Bowen Ranch, Apple Valley, California, US (34.362, -117.171)1 observed

Cactus Wren

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

5/31/2026Cushenbury Spring (Desert Avicaching)1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/30/2026Cactus Flats1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/30/2026Big Bear Lake1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/30/2026McLarty Residence1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/1/2026

American Coot

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

56/1/2026

American White Pelican

66/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

American Robin

46/1/2026

House Finch

66/1/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

36/1/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

86/1/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

406/1/2026

Killdeer

35/31/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/31/2026

Gadwall

85/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Western Grebe

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

15/31/2026

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.