Lake Merced - for long traveling lists - use more specific hotspots where appropriate

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Merced - for long traveling lists - use more specific hotspots where appropriate is a productive birding destination in California, with 280 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, American Coot, and Short-billed Gull 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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

13/4/2026

American Coot

23/4/2026

Short-billed Gull

53/4/2026

Eared Grebe

83/4/2026

Western Grebe

23/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

103/4/2026

Black Phoebe

13/4/2026

California Scrub-Jay

13/4/2026

Marsh Wren

23/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

12/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

202/22/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

32/22/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

12/22/2026

Western Gull

102/22/2026

California Gull

302/22/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/22/2026

Horned Grebe

12/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/22/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

22/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

32/22/2026

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