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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/29/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/28/2026American River Parkway--Sailor Bar - fish pond area1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/27/20264809 Chicago Ave, Fair Oaks US-CA 38.65342, -121.255761 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/27/2026Arden-Arcade US-CA 38.59151, -121.390301 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Andover Court1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/25/2026S Brewer Rd (Baseline to E Catlett)3 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/25/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/24/2026Veteran's Memorial Park (PLA Co.)2 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/24/2026Deer Creek Hills - South Pond (restricted access)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1005/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

15/29/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Black Phoebe

15/29/2026

Oak Titmouse

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

105/29/2026

Bushtit

35/29/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/29/2026

European Starling

55/29/2026

House Finch

25/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/28/2026

Common Merganser

15/25/2026

Mourning Dove

35/25/2026

California Gull

15/25/2026

Horned Grebe

15/25/2026

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.