Lake birding habitat

Finney Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Finney Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 240 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

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

7/12/2026Alamo River Wetlands Project--Shank Rd.1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/2/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

177/12/2026

Common Ground Dove

17/12/2026

White-winged Dove

37/12/2026

Mourning Dove

67/12/2026

Greater Roadrunner

17/12/2026

Common Gallinule

17/12/2026

American Coot

27/12/2026

Black-necked Stilt

37/12/2026

Killdeer

37/12/2026

Western Sandpiper

137/12/2026

Forster's Tern

47/12/2026

White-faced Ibis

37/12/2026

Snowy Egret

127/12/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

147/12/2026

Great Egret

367/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/12/2026

Black Phoebe

17/12/2026

Verdin

27/12/2026

Barn Swallow

47/12/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

17/12/2026

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