Lake birding habitat

Lake Elizabeth

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Elizabeth is a productive birding destination in California, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, and Gadwall 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

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

5/29/2026Home1 observed

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

5/28/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area4 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/28/2026Palo Alto Flood Control Basin--E. Bayshore Rd. ponds3 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/28/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/28/2026Coyote Hills Regional Park1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/28/2026Ed Levin CP--Calera Creek Trail1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/27/2026Bryce Canyon Ct., San Ramon, CA1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/27/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

5/27/2026Penitencia Creek Trail2 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

5/27/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026Home1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/26/2026Hayward, Drummond north (gated community)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1105/19/2026

Mallard

125/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

505/19/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

85/19/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/19/2026

Killdeer

35/19/2026

California Gull

205/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/19/2026

Green Heron

15/19/2026

Great Egret

15/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/19/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/19/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

45/19/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/19/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/19/2026

Black Phoebe

45/19/2026

Western Kingbird

15/19/2026

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