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

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

5/26/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland2 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/26/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

5/25/2026New River--Carter Rd. and Fites Rd.3 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

5/21/2026Alamo River Wetlands Project--Shank Rd.1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/19/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 [no access north of observation platform] (CA Atlas - Westmorland West NW)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/19/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall3 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall3 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/18/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)2 observed

Heermann's Gull

Larus heermanni

5/18/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

45/26/2026

Mallard

45/26/2026

Ruddy Duck

505/26/2026

White-winged Dove

25/26/2026

Common Gallinule

15/26/2026

American Coot

105/26/2026

Black-necked Stilt

25/26/2026

Clark's Grebe

85/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/26/2026

Green Heron

15/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/26/2026

Northern Harrier

15/26/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/26/2026

Marsh Wren

25/26/2026

White-faced Ibis

45/26/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

35/26/2026

Great Egret

15/26/2026

Burrowing Owl

15/26/2026

Western Meadowlark

25/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

205/26/2026

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.