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

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/9/2026UC Berkeley--Botanical Gardens1 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/9/2026Pillar Point Harbor1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/9/2026Landfill Loop Trail1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/9/2026Shorebird Park - Beach Park Blvd.14 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/9/2026Sawyer Camp Trail--north1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

7/9/2026HMB1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/9/2026Sawyer Camp Trail--south5 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/9/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/9/2026Alemany Farm/Saint Mary's Park1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/9/2026Heron's Head Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/9/2026Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/9/202642 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco, California, US (37.797, -122.458)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

347/8/2026

Ruddy Duck

47/8/2026

Rock Pigeon

207/8/2026

Mourning Dove

27/8/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/8/2026

American Coot

27/8/2026

Western Gull

47/8/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/8/2026

Clark's Grebe

17/8/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/8/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Black Phoebe

17/8/2026

American Crow

27/8/2026

Bank Swallow

17/8/2026

Tree Swallow

67/8/2026

Violet-green Swallow

107/8/2026

Marsh Wren

17/8/2026

Purple Finch

17/8/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

67/8/2026

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.