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

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/3/2026Rovana1 observed

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

6/2/2026Shady Rest Park1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

6/1/2026Deer Springs Road, Bishop, California, US (37.666, -118.612)1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026Witcher Creek1 observed

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

5/31/2026Willow Road, Swall Meadows6 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

5/31/2026Deer Springs Road, Bishop, California, US (37.666, -118.612)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/30/2026Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Lakes US-CA 37.53700, -118.659001 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

5/30/2026Upper Pine Creek and trails1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/29/2026Paradise (town)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

26/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

26/1/2026

Gadwall

26/1/2026

Mallard

66/1/2026

Eared Grebe

86/1/2026

Great Egret

36/1/2026

American White Pelican

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/1/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

86/1/2026

Western Grebe

25/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Violet-green Swallow

75/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/30/2026

Rock Wren

35/30/2026

American Wigeon

25/28/2026

Northern Pintail

45/28/2026

American Avocet

25/28/2026

California Gull

15/28/2026

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.