Lake birding habitat

Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area is a productive birding destination in California, with 269 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Ruddy Duck, and American Coot 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

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

6/2/2026Lands End, San Francisco US-CA 37.78010, -122.510262 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

6/2/2026Fort Mason1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

6/2/2026Yerba Buena Island / Treasure Island1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

6/2/2026Pine Lake Park & Stern Grove2 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

6/1/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

6/1/2026Trousdale @ 2803 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026Golden Gate Park--North Lake1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/1/2026Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, Mill Valley US-CA 37.90948, -122.569611 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/1/2026San Bruno Mountain Park1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/1/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--New Marsh/San Leandro Creek1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

6/1/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline2 observed

Surfbird

Calidris virgata

6/1/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

56/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

46/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

16/2/2026

American Coot

36/2/2026

Western Gull

256/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

36/2/2026

Western Grebe

26/2/2026

Clark's Grebe

16/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

Black Phoebe

26/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

36/2/2026

American Crow

46/2/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

126/2/2026

Violet-green Swallow

26/2/2026

Marsh Wren

36/2/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

76/2/2026

Song Sparrow

36/2/2026

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 Merced - Concrete Bridge area for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area?
Notable species at Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area include Mallard, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Western Gull, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area?
Birding at Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area?
Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.