Lake birding habitat

Cachuma Lake Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Cachuma Lake Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Mallard, Greater Scaup, and Band-tailed Pigeon 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

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

6/2/2026San Jose Creek--North of Cathedral Oaks1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

6/1/20265049 Walnut Park Drive1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

6/1/2026Lake Los Carneros Park1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

5/31/2026Refugio Creek Canyon1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/2026Hale Nahele1 observed

Swinhoe's White-eye

Zosterops simplex

5/29/2026Ellwood Mesa Open Space1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Refugio Road1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/27/2026Santa Ynez Valley (location obscured)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

65/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

75/29/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

45/29/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/29/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/29/2026

American Crow

65/29/2026

Oak Titmouse

15/29/2026

Violet-green Swallow

15/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/29/2026

Bushtit

15/29/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/29/2026

European Starling

55/29/2026

House Finch

15/29/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

15/29/2026

California Towhee

15/29/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

45/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

5/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

5/25/2026

Clark's Grebe

5/25/2026

Great Egret

5/25/2026

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 Cachuma Lake Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cachuma Lake Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cachuma Lake Park?
Notable species at Cachuma Lake Park include Mallard, Greater Scaup, Band-tailed Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, American Coot. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cachuma Lake Park?
Birding at Cachuma Lake Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cachuma Lake Park?
Cachuma Lake Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.