Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This lake and chaparral habitat attracts California Quail, Greater Roadrunner, and Allen's Hummingbird 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

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/6/2026Rambla De Las Flores--Richardson Field to RSF Field (restricted access)1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/6/2026San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego US-CA 33.09139, -116.992431 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Lindo Lake2 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026Clairemont High School Baseball Field 4150 Ute Dr, San Diego US-CA 32.80807, -117.203011 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/6/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

3/6/2026Santee Lakes2 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park4 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

43/6/2026

California Quail

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

133/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/6/2026

Snowy Egret

53/6/2026

Great Egret

63/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

33/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

23/6/2026

American Crow

63/6/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

43/6/2026

Bushtit

103/6/2026

Wrentit

63/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/6/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/6/2026

California Gnatcatcher

23/6/2026

Northern House Wren

43/6/2026

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 - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)?
Notable species at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) include California Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Allen's Hummingbird, American White Pelican, Turkey Vulture. The area supports lake, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)?
Birding at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)?
Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.