Lake birding habitat

Indian Creek Reservoir

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Indian Creek Reservoir is a productive birding destination in California, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

7/19/2026Meadow Lake1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/17/2026Tahoe Rim Trail, Stateline US-NV (38.9630,-119.8984)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

7/15/2026Monitor1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/10/2026Kirkwood--Danburg Dr. trail1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/9/2026Tahoe Basin--Meiss area (APL Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

57/19/2026

Cinnamon Teal

17/19/2026

Gadwall

47/19/2026

Mallard

167/19/2026

Ring-necked Duck

127/19/2026

Ruddy Duck

87/19/2026

California Quail

107/19/2026

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

37/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

67/19/2026

Northern Flicker

17/19/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

27/19/2026

Black Phoebe

17/19/2026

Common Raven

17/19/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

27/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

47/19/2026

Western Meadowlark

37/19/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

257/19/2026

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 Indian Creek Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Indian Creek Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Indian Creek Reservoir?
Notable species at Indian Creek Reservoir include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Indian Creek Reservoir?
Birding at Indian Creek Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Indian Creek Reservoir?
Indian Creek Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.