green grass field under blue sky during daytime

Lake Los Carneros Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Lake Los Carneros Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Gadwall, Mallard, and Ruddy Duck 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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/29/20265049 Walnut Park Drive1 observed

Swinhoe's White-eye

Zosterops simplex

5/29/2026Ellwood Mesa Open Space1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Refugio Road1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/25/2026Brickyard Bouldering1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/23/2026Refugio Creek Canyon1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/21/2026UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/21/2026Atascadero Creek--Walnut Lane to Puente Dr.2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/20/2026Toro Canyon Park2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/20/2026Franklin Creek bridge1 observed

Bell's Vireo (Least)

Vireo bellii

5/20/2026Calle Real 34.439945, -119.9374241 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

5/20/2026Las Cruzitas Ranch (restricted access)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/17/2026Refugio Creek Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

155/29/2026

Ruddy Duck

65/29/2026

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/29/2026

American Coot

75/29/2026

Western Gull

25/29/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

25/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

65/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Northern Flicker

25/29/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

35/29/2026

California Scrub-Jay

35/29/2026

American Crow

85/29/2026

Oak Titmouse

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

85/29/2026

Barn Swallow

25/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/29/2026

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.

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

  5. 5

    Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Los Carneros Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Los Carneros Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Los Carneros Park?
Notable species at Lake Los Carneros Park include Gadwall, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, Sora, Townsend's Warbler, Heermann's Gull, Band-tailed Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Acorn Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Los Carneros Park?
Birding at Lake Los Carneros Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Lake Los Carneros Park?
There is no entrance fee at Lake Los Carneros Park. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Lake Los Carneros Park?
Lake Los Carneros Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.