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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/18/2026Pleasant Valley Reservoir1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

7/16/2026Glass Mtns.--Wildrose Canyon2 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

7/16/2026Glass Mtns.--Wildrose Canyon1 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

7/15/2026Emerald Lake1 observed

Chukar

Alectoris chukar

7/15/2026Moran Spring1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

7/14/2026Crystal Lake (MNO Co.)1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/13/2026Laurel Sewage Pond2 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

7/12/2026Convict Lake--Loop Trail1 observed

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

7/12/2026Inyo National Forest, Bishop US-CA (37.7642,-118.6775)1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/12/2026Sawmill Meadows Rd, Bishop US-CA (37.7938,-118.6829)1 observed

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

7/11/20262.5 miles past Inyo craters on MSLoop1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

17/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/17/2026

Western Grebe

77/17/2026

American White Pelican

97/17/2026

Savannah Sparrow

37/17/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

87/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/17/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

37/17/2026

Gadwall

137/16/2026

Eared Grebe

107/16/2026

Common Raven

27/16/2026

Sage Thrasher

57/16/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

47/16/2026

Song Sparrow

27/16/2026

Green-tailed Towhee

17/16/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/16/2026

Western Meadowlark

27/16/2026

Cinnamon Teal

67/15/2026

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.