Lake Matthews

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Matthews is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, 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

Common Goldeneye Common Merganser Mourning Dove Pied-billed Grebe Eared Grebe

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Chino Creek Wetlands1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026UC Riverside Botanic Gardens2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026Lago Santa Margarita1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

3/5/2026Williams Canyon, Orange County1 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

3/5/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area (CA Atlas - Lakeview NW)2 observed

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

3/5/2026Sugarloaf Mountain (Riverside)1 observed

Anna's x Allen's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x Selasphorus sasin

3/3/2026Moreno Valley yard1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

3/1/2026Santa Ana River Wildlife Management Area, Jurupa Valley US-CA 33.97416, -117.518011 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/1/2026Santa Ana River Wildlife Management Area, Jurupa Valley US-CA 33.97416, -117.518011 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

2/28/2026Prado Regional Park1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

2/28/2026Prado Regional Park1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Matthews for birding?▼

The best months to visit Lake Matthews for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Lake Matthews?▼

Notable species at Lake Matthews include Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Pied-billed Grebe, Eared Grebe. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Lake Matthews?▼

Birding at Lake Matthews is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Lake Matthews?▼

Lake Matthews offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.