Lake birding habitat

College Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Loading map...

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/28/2026Loma Prieta--Lower Saddle (SCZ Co.)1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/27/2026Ranchito Bolsa Nueva (private/offset)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/27/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/27/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/27/2026Terrace Pt. and Coastal Science Campus1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/27/2026San Felipe Rd. (SCL Co.)2 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

5/27/2026San Felipe Rd. (SCL Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

5/25/2026Loma Prieta area (SCL Co.)1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/25/2026Uvas Canyon County Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/25/2026West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow Ave.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

805/25/2026

Gadwall

125/25/2026

Mallard

105/25/2026

Ruddy Duck

45/25/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

45/25/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/25/2026

American Coot

145/25/2026

American Avocet

15/25/2026

Killdeer

25/25/2026

California Gull

245/25/2026

Caspian Tern

25/25/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

85/25/2026

Western Grebe

25/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

165/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

65/25/2026

Osprey

35/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/25/2026

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 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.