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-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/10/2026Palomar Mtn - Canfield Rd (S6), southern end2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/9/2026Ramona Oaks Park1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

7/5/2026Bandy Cyn. Rd. at Ysabel Creek Rd.--trailhead2 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/4/2026Dixon Lake1 observed

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

7/4/2026Scissors Crossing area1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

7/3/2026Lake Henshaw1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/29/2026Lake Sutherland4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

47/3/2026

Mallard

77/3/2026

American Avocet

117/3/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/3/2026

California Gull

97/3/2026

Western Grebe

27/3/2026

Great Egret

37/3/2026

American White Pelican

47/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

97/3/2026

Bald Eagle

27/3/2026

Black Phoebe

17/3/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/3/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/3/2026

American Crow

67/3/2026

Common Raven

47/3/2026

Oak Titmouse

27/3/2026

Violet-green Swallow

37/3/2026

Bushtit

47/3/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/3/2026

Lark Sparrow

17/3/2026

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.