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

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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

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/26/2026Meiss Rd.2 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

5/25/2026American Canyon Trail5 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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/23/20266873–7081 Sunset Blvd W, Roseville US-CA 38.82433, -121.410265 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

5/23/2026Rosado1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

505/27/2026

Mallard

35/27/2026

Common Merganser

25/27/2026

Mourning Dove

35/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Killdeer

15/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/27/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/27/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

75/27/2026

Black Phoebe

15/27/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Western Kingbird

15/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

Oak Titmouse

25/27/2026

Tree Swallow

15/27/2026

Violet-green Swallow

55/27/2026

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.