Lake birding habitat

Lake Almanor

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Almanor is a productive birding destination in California, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This lake 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

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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Lake Almanor--Canyon Dam Boat Ramp1 observed

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

4/17/2026Olsen Barn Meadow Property1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/9/2026Pacific Crest Trail--Belden1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/9/2026Pacific Crest Trail--Belden2 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

4/9/2026Pacific Crest Trail--Belden2 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

4/9/2026Hwy 70--Twain2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/17/2026

Mallard

24/17/2026

Bufflehead

164/17/2026

Common Merganser

124/17/2026

Killdeer

24/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/17/2026

Eared Grebe

114/17/2026

Western Grebe

584/17/2026

Common Loon

34/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

74/17/2026

Osprey

44/17/2026

Bald Eagle

24/17/2026

Tree Swallow

64/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

74/17/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

24/17/2026

Northern House Wren

14/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/17/2026

European Starling

34/17/2026

Mountain Bluebird

74/17/2026

American Robin

24/17/2026

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