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

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

5/27/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

5/27/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

5/27/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

5/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk2 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

5/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

5/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk3 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/16/2026Desert Center--Lake Tamarisk1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

5/27/2026

Ruddy Duck

15/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

5/27/2026

White-winged Dove

25/27/2026

Mourning Dove

35/27/2026

White-throated Swift

25/27/2026

American Coot

45/27/2026

Killdeer

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/27/2026

Osprey

15/27/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Say's Phoebe

25/27/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Common Raven

25/27/2026

Verdin

15/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

35/27/2026

European Starling

15/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/27/2026

House Sparrow

5/27/2026

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.