Lake birding habitat

Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeDesert
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk is a productive birding destination in California, with 308 species recorded on eBird. This lake and desert habitat attracts American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, and American Barn Owl 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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/17/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

4/17/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/17/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/17/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

4/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

4/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima)

Branta canadensis

4/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

4/14/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/12/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/12/2026Corn Spring1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

124/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

64/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

334/17/2026

White-winged Dove

24/17/2026

Mourning Dove

84/17/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

44/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

64/17/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

54/17/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

34/17/2026

American Coot

124/17/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/17/2026

Killdeer

14/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

44/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

34/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

94/17/2026

Great Egret

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

114/17/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

34/17/2026

American Kestrel

24/17/2026

Black Phoebe

14/17/2026

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 Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk for birding?
The best months to visit Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk?
Notable species at Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk include American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, American Barn Owl, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake, desert habitats.
How difficult is birding at Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk?
Birding at Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk?
Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.