Lake birding habitat

Lake Herman

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Herman is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Rock Pigeon, and Mourning Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

4/17/2026Skyline Wilderness Park1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

4/17/2026Green Valley Falls (Restricted Access)5 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/17/2026Green Valley Falls (Restricted Access)1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Thick-billed)

Passerella iliaca

4/17/2026Green Valley Falls (Restricted Access)1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/17/2026Green Valley Falls (Restricted Access)1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/17/2026Tilden Regional Park--Vollmer Peak1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

4/17/2026Napa Ridge (Private)1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

4/16/2026Heather Farm Park2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

4/16/2026Carquinez Heights (officially Crystal Pointe) Overlook7 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/16/2026Tilden Nature Area1 observed

Brandt's Cormorant

Urile penicillatus

4/15/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

4/15/2026Wilder Marsh1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/15/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

4/14/2026Brickyard Cove (ALA Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

14/13/2026

Mallard

24/13/2026

Wild Turkey

14/13/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/13/2026

Rock Pigeon

64/13/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

White-throated Swift

14/13/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

14/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/13/2026

Great Egret

14/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/13/2026

American Barn Owl

14/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/13/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

34/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

American Kestrel

24/13/2026

Black Phoebe

44/13/2026

California Scrub-Jay

24/13/2026

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 Herman for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Herman for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Herman?
Notable species at Lake Herman include Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Herman?
Birding at Lake Herman is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Herman?
Lake Herman offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.