Lake Merced

Lake Merced is a 614-acre freshwater lake complex in southwestern San Francisco, surrounded by parkland, golf courses, and the Fort Funston coastal bluffs. The lake's open water, tule marsh edges, and surrounding Monterey cypress and eucalyptus groves provide year-round birding within the city limits.

The lake supports breeding Pied-billed Grebes, American Coots, and several duck species, while the surrounding trees attract migrant songbirds in spring and fall. Winter brings diving ducks — Canvasback, Redhead, and Ring-necked Ducks are regular — along with occasional rarities. The adjacent Fort Funston coastal bluffs add Bank Swallows (which nest in the cliffs) and seabird viewing. Over 200 species have been recorded in the Lake Merced complex.