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

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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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

7/18/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/17/2026Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/17/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/16/2026San Pablo Bay NWR--"Alco Ponds"/South of Hwy 372 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/16/2026Wildcat Canyon Regional Park--vicinity of 1 Los Arboles1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/16/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/16/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)2 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

7/15/2026Newell Open Space1 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

7/14/2026Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Huichica Creek Unit2 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/13/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden2 observed

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

7/12/2026Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline--Ferry Point2 observed

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

7/12/2026Bayfront Park (CC Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/7/2026

Mourning Dove

17/7/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/7/2026

Great Egret

17/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/7/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

17/7/2026

American Kestrel

17/7/2026

Common Raven

27/7/2026

Tree Swallow

37/7/2026

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.