Lake birding habitat

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom Point

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom Point is a productive birding destination in California, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Merganser, and Anna's Hummingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/9/2026American River Parkway--William B Pond Rec Area1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/7/2026American River Parkway--Sailor Bar1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/5/2026Mississippi Bar1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

7/5/2026709 Dunbarton Circle, Sacramento, California, US (38.563, -121.409)1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

6/30/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/30/2026Folsom Lake SRA--Beals Pt.1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

6/29/2026American River Parkway--Harrington Way access6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

477/1/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

27/1/2026

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 - Folsom Point for birding?
The best months to visit Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom 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 - Folsom Point?
Notable species at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom Point include Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird, Western Grebe, Acorn Woodpecker. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom Point?
Birding at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom 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 - Folsom Point?
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.