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

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/15/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/15/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 [no access north of observation platform] (CA Atlas - Westmorland West NW)5 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/14/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/14/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall10 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

4/14/2026Salton Sea--Obsidian Butte2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (oriantha)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/14/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

4/14/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

4/13/2026Niland--International Rd.1 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

4/13/2026Niland--International Rd.18 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

74/17/2026

White-winged Dove

44/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Killdeer

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Hammond's Flycatcher

14/17/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

44/17/2026

Western Kingbird

24/17/2026

Verdin

4/17/2026

Bank Swallow

14/17/2026

European Starling

74/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/17/2026

House Sparrow

4/17/2026

House Finch

4/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

14/17/2026

Abert's Towhee

24/17/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

4/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

254/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

204/17/2026

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 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.