Coastal birding habitat

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, 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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Arden-Arcade US-CA 38.59151, -121.390301 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/29/2026S Brewer Rd (Baseline to E Catlett)7 observed

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

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Andover Court1 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

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

California Quail

46/1/2026

Mourning Dove

86/1/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

26/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/1/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Black Phoebe

66/1/2026

Hutton's Vireo

26/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

206/1/2026

Bushtit

66/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

26/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/1/2026

Swainson's Thrush

16/1/2026

House Finch

26/1/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

56/1/2026

Song Sparrow

46/1/2026

Spotted Towhee

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity for birding?
The best months to visit Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity 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 - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity?
Notable species at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Killdeer. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity?
Birding at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity?
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.