College Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

College Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Seabright SB1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/3/2026Chesbro Reservoir1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/2/2026Calero CP--Casa Loma Rd. access1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

93/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

63/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

153/5/2026

Gadwall

73/5/2026

American Wigeon

273/5/2026

Mallard

83/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

363/5/2026

American Coot

443/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

303/5/2026

California Gull

123/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/5/2026

Great Egret

23/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

113/5/2026

American White Pelican

43/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/5/2026

Osprey

43/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

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 College Lake for birding?
The best months to visit College Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at College Lake?
Notable species at College Lake include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at College Lake?
Birding at College Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at College Lake?
College Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.