Lake birding habitat

Lake Hennessey

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hennessey is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, and Ruddy Duck 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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Mix Canyon1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/30/2026Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Calistoga US-CA (38.5448,-122.5403)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/29/2026Robert Louis Stevenson SP1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/28/2026Audubon Bobcat Ranch (private - access by permission only)1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/27/20262262 James Creek Road, Pope Valley, California, US (38.665, -122.463)50 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/26/2026Bouverie Preserve (limited access)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/25/2026West Mitchel Canyon (Restricted Access)2 observed

Prairie Falcon

Falco mexicanus

5/24/20262361 Pope Canyon Road, St. Helena, California, US (38.634, -122.394)1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/24/20264668-4724 Lake County Highway, Calistoga, California, US (38.657, -122.601)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/23/2026Robert Louis Stevenson SP1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

5/20/2026Green Valley Falls (Restricted Access)39 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/20/2026Green Valley Falls (Restricted Access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

165/30/2026

Wood Duck

15/30/2026

California Quail

35/30/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

65/30/2026

Western Grebe

155/30/2026

Clark's Grebe

25/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/30/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

35/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

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