Clifton Court Forebay

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/4/2026Brushy Peak Regional Park1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Brushy Peak Regional Park10 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/2/2026Los Vaqueros Reservoir--Walnut Trail and Staging Area1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/2/2026Del Valle Regional Park1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/2/2026Jersey Island1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

2/27/2026Mt. Diablo SP--NE of Mt. Olympia1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

2/26/2026Tracy Fish Collection Facility11 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/25/2026Reuss Road1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

2/25/20263961 Glen Abby Cir, Stockton US-CA 37.97923, -121.357471 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

2/23/2026Dutch Slough Restoration Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

43/1/2026

Greater Scaup

23/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/1/2026

Bufflehead

23/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

1003/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

American Coot

403/1/2026

Killdeer

103/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/1/2026

Eared Grebe

23/1/2026

Western Grebe

23/1/2026

Clark's Grebe

13/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/1/2026

Snowy Egret

23/1/2026

Great Egret

33/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

Black Phoebe

13/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/1/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/1/2026

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.