Lake birding habitat

Lake Matthews

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

5/29/2026Prado Regional Park1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

5/29/2026stakeout Wood Stork, Chino Hills (2026)1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

5/29/2026Hilltop Park2 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/29/2026Santa Ana River Wildlife Management Area, Riverside US-CA 33.96681, -117.451911 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/28/2026Lake Perris State Recreation Area1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026Chino Creek Wetlands2 observed

Black-chinned x Allen's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Selasphorus sasin

5/27/2026Dove Canyon1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/26/202617111 S Main Divide Rd, Lake Elsinore US-CA (33.6518,-117.4078)5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Oriole

15/29/2026

Mourning Dove

65/29/2026

White-throated Swift

15/29/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

35/29/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/29/2026

American Kestrel

25/29/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

25/29/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/29/2026

American Crow

25/29/2026

Common Raven

45/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

45/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/29/2026

Bewick's Wren

25/29/2026

California Thrasher

15/29/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/29/2026

Phainopepla

75/29/2026

House Finch

135/29/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

155/29/2026

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.

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.