Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--Elk Glen Lake1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/6/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026Candlestick Pt. State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Coyote Point County Park1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/6/2026University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley US-CA (37.8675,-122.2612)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--McLaren Lodge/Horseshoe Pits/Northeast Entrance1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--Arboretum (San Francisco Botanical Garden)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/6/2026Corona Heights Park8 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough17 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Amador Street - fennel/willow patch and adjoining fields 37.74489, -122.379561 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/5/20261315 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, California, US (37.592, -122.315)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

3/5/2026Ballena Bay1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

63/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

163/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

American Coot

103/6/2026

California Gull

113/6/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

133/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

63/6/2026

Western Grebe

33/6/2026

Clark's Grebe

53/6/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

103/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

123/6/2026

Tree Swallow

253/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

Marsh Wren

33/6/2026

Western Bluebird

13/6/2026

American Robin

13/6/2026

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.