Lake Cunningham

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Cunningham is a productive birding destination in California, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026Lone Hill Park3 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

3/5/2026Salt Pond A121 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

3/5/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/4/2026Don Edwards NWR--Pond A161 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Lone Hill Park2 observed

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

3/3/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/3/2026Chesbro Reservoir1 observed

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026Sanborn CP--John Nicholas Trail

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/2/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/2/2026Calero CP--Casa Loma Rd. access1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/2/2026Del Valle Regional Park1 observed

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 Cunningham for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Cunningham for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Cunningham?
Notable species at Lake Cunningham include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Ruddy Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Cunningham?
Birding at Lake Cunningham is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Cunningham?
Lake Cunningham offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.