Lake birding habitat

Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end)

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts California Quail, Turkey Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/29/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/29/2026Lake Hodges--east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

5/29/2026East Penasquitos Canyon2 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/29/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

5/29/2026Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary (permission required)1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/28/2026Mission Trails Regional Park--northeast region1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/28/2026Point La Jolla--seawatch1 observed

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

5/28/2026Point La Jolla--seawatch1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/20269448 Knowlton Ct1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Ocean Air Community Park1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/27/2026Ramona Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/23/2026

Western Grebe

105/23/2026

Snowy Egret

15/23/2026

Great Egret

15/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/23/2026

Mourning Dove

15/22/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/22/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

25/22/2026

American Coot

25/22/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/22/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/22/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/22/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/22/2026

Black Phoebe

15/22/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

25/22/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/22/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/22/2026

American Crow

25/22/2026

Common Raven

15/22/2026

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 Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end)?
Notable species at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) include California Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, California Scrub-Jay, American Crow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end)?
Birding at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end)?
Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.