Desert birding habitat

Clifton Court Forebay

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Clifton Court Forebay is a productive birding destination in California, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Greater Scaup, and Lesser Scaup 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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/26/2026Sycamore Grove Park8 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/22/2026Bradford Island2 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

5/21/20262103 Prestwick Dr, Discovery Bay US-CA 37.89530, -121.591131 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/21/2026Sherman Island1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

5/20/2026Shadow Cliffs Regional Park2 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern)

Patagioenas fasciata

5/20/2026Mendenhall Rd.2 observed

Canyon Wren

Catherpes mexicanus

5/19/202616930 Tesla Road, Livermore, California, US (37.624, -121.575)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

5/15/2026Brushy Peak Regional Park1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/15/2026Zephyr Drive Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

365/26/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/26/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/26/2026

Black Phoebe

15/26/2026

House Finch

35/26/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

35/26/2026

American Goldfinch

25/26/2026

Mallard

75/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

85/25/2026

Mourning Dove

35/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/25/2026

Great Egret

15/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/25/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/25/2026

American Crow

65/25/2026

Tree Swallow

205/25/2026

Barn Swallow

95/25/2026

Bushtit

25/25/2026

European Starling

55/25/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Clifton Court Forebay for birding?
The best months to visit Clifton Court Forebay for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Clifton Court Forebay?
Notable species at Clifton Court Forebay include Mallard, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clifton Court Forebay?
Birding at Clifton Court Forebay is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clifton Court Forebay?
Clifton Court Forebay offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.