Lake birding habitat

Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

4/17/202697627, Keno US-OR 42.03972, -122.096101 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

4/17/202697627, Keno US-OR 42.03972, -122.096109 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

4/17/202697627, Keno US-OR 42.05120, -122.091371 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/17/202697627, Keno US-OR 42.05120, -122.091371 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/12/2026Dad's House6 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/12/2026Dad's House2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/12/2026South Klamath wetland20 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/5/2026Lower Klamath Lake, Tulelake US-CA 41.99028, -121.7690290 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Kestrel

14/6/2026

Black-billed Magpie

14/6/2026

Sage Thrasher

24/6/2026

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 Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake?
Notable species at Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake?
Birding at Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake?
Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.