Lake birding habitat

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

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

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

Common Murre

Uria aalge

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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/20269448 Knowlton Ct1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/27/2026Santee Lakes

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Ocean Air Community Park1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/27/2026Ramona Pond1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/27/2026Lake Sutherland3 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/27/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Nazca Booby

Sula granti

5/27/2026Point La Jolla--seawatch1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/27/2026Lake Hodges--east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

35/27/2026

White-throated Swift

55/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/27/2026

Great Egret

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/27/2026

Bell's Vireo

35/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/27/2026

Bushtit

105/27/2026

Wrentit

25/27/2026

California Gnatcatcher

25/27/2026

Northern House Wren

15/27/2026

Bewick's Wren

35/27/2026

California Thrasher

25/27/2026

Phainopepla

15/27/2026

House Finch

105/27/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/27/2026

Song Sparrow

25/27/2026

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.