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

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

4/17/2026Julian--Pine Hills Neighborhood1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

4/14/2026Hot Springs Mountain1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/13/2026Lake Sutherland2 observed

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

4/11/2026Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Culp Valley Campground & Peña Spring1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/11/2026Wilderness Gardens Preserve1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

4/10/202692066, Ranchita US-CA 33.22165, -116.510441 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

4/9/2026Bandy Cyn. Rd. at Ysabel Creek Rd.--trailhead1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/17/2026

Wild Turkey

14/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

64/17/2026

Mourning Dove

174/17/2026

Killdeer

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

44/17/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/17/2026

Western Kingbird

154/17/2026

California Scrub-Jay

34/17/2026

American Crow

54/17/2026

Common Raven

54/17/2026

Tree Swallow

44/17/2026

Violet-green Swallow

14/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

404/17/2026

Bushtit

14/17/2026

European Starling

164/17/2026

House Sparrow

54/17/2026

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.