Lake birding habitat

Lake Henshaw

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Henshaw is a productive birding destination in California, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, 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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/27/2026Ramona Pond1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/27/2026Lake Sutherland3 observed

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

5/26/2026Scissors Crossing area1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/26/2026Scissors Crossing area2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/25/2026Private backyard on Dos Osos Golf Course1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/24/2026Dixon Lake Park, Escondido US-CA 33.16004, -117.049221 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

5/24/2026Lake Henshaw2 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

5/24/2026Scissors Crossing area1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

5/23/2026Scissors Crossing area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

15/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/24/2026

Cinnamon Teal

5/24/2026

Gadwall

5/24/2026

Mallard

5/24/2026

Mourning Dove

5/24/2026

American Coot

5/24/2026

Black-necked Stilt

5/24/2026

Killdeer

5/24/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

5/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

5/24/2026

Great Egret

5/24/2026

White-tailed Kite

5/24/2026

American Kestrel

5/24/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

25/24/2026

Violet-green Swallow

5/24/2026

House Sparrow

5/24/2026

House Finch

5/24/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

5/24/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

5/24/2026

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