Lake birding habitat

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Merganser, and Mourning Dove 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

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/17/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

7/17/2026Mooney Ridge Service Roads, Granite Bay US-CA 38.73797, -121.155221 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/17/202613555 Bowman Road, Auburn, California, US (38.931, -121.056) Doctor's2 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

7/17/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/16/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

307/18/2026

Common Merganser

117/18/2026

Mourning Dove

47/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

17/18/2026

Killdeer

37/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

97/18/2026

California Gull

17/18/2026

Forster's Tern

17/18/2026

Great Egret

17/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

77/18/2026

Bald Eagle

27/18/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Black Phoebe

17/18/2026

American Crow

27/18/2026

Common Raven

27/18/2026

Rock Wren

17/18/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

37/18/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

47/18/2026

Franklin's Gull

17/17/2026

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 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point for birding?
The best months to visit Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point?
Notable species at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point include Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, California Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point?
Birding at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point?
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.