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

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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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/17/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

7/17/2026Anderson Lake CP--Rosendin Park1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/17/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

7/16/2026258 Boulay Ct, Morgan Hill US-CA 37.18030, -121.717751 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/16/2026UC Santa Cruz--Arboretum1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/16/2026College Lake2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/15/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/14/2026Mt. Madonna County Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

557/16/2026

Wood Duck

17/16/2026

Gadwall

17/16/2026

Mallard

357/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

27/16/2026

Ruddy Duck

87/16/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/16/2026

American Coot

77/16/2026

Killdeer

117/16/2026

Semipalmated Plover

27/16/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/16/2026

Caspian Tern

197/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

137/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

87/16/2026

Great Egret

27/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/16/2026

American White Pelican

17/16/2026

Osprey

17/16/2026

Great Horned Owl

27/16/2026

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.