Lake birding habitat

Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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 x Allen's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Selasphorus sasin

5/27/2026Dove Canyon1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/26/202617111 S Main Divide Rd, Lake Elsinore US-CA (33.6518,-117.4078)5 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

5/25/2026Toulon Trail (Murrieta)1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

5/25/2026Toulon Trail (Murrieta)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/25/2026Lake Elsinore--south levee and back basin1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

5/24/2026Cleveland NF--El Cariso Campground8 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/24/2026Lake Elsinore--south levee and back basin1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/23/2026Cole Canyon Trail--Sykes Ranch Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Graylag Goose

85/25/2026

Canada Goose

245/25/2026

Egyptian Goose

15/25/2026

Cinnamon Teal

15/25/2026

Gadwall

45/25/2026

Mallard

455/25/2026

Ruddy Duck

115/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

225/25/2026

Mourning Dove

65/25/2026

White-throated Swift

45/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/25/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

35/25/2026

Common Gallinule

15/25/2026

American Coot

235/25/2026

Black-necked Stilt

45/25/2026

American Avocet

35/25/2026

Killdeer

65/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/25/2026

California Gull

205/25/2026

Caspian Tern

305/25/2026

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