Lake birding habitat

Crowley Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Crowley Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

4/15/2026Inyo National Forest, Bishop US-CA 37.51328, -118.644534 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/12/2026Paradise subdivision N1 observed

Sagebrush Sparrow

Artemisiospiza nevadensis

4/11/20262599-2559 North Round Valley Road, Bishop, California, US (37.445, -118.602)2 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

4/10/2026Sherwin Meadow1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/10/2026Moran Spring2 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

4/9/2026Benton Hot Springs (paid access only)1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

4/9/2026Glass Mtns.--Wildrose Canyon1 observed

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

4/9/2026Moran Spring1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

4/9/2026Moran Spring1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

44/17/2026

Mallard

44/17/2026

Bufflehead

124/17/2026

Forster's Tern

24/17/2026

Eared Grebe

44/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

American White Pelican

24/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Common Raven

24/17/2026

Sage Thrasher

14/17/2026

Savannah Sparrow

24/17/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

64/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

244/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

304/17/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

24/17/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

44/17/2026

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

54/17/2026

Gadwall

154/17/2026

Redhead

74/17/2026

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 Crowley Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Crowley Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Crowley Lake?
Notable species at Crowley Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crowley Lake?
Birding at Crowley Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crowley Lake?
Crowley Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.