Lake birding habitat

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

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/17/2026Shorebird Park - Beach Park Blvd.24 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/17/2026Pillar Point Harbor1 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

7/17/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.77021, -122.472221 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/17/2026Corona Heights Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/5/2026

Mallard

327/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

77/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

47/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/5/2026

Mourning Dove

17/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

37/5/2026

American Coot

97/5/2026

Western Gull

1437/5/2026

California Gull

67/5/2026

Caspian Tern

57/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

97/5/2026

Western Grebe

37/5/2026

Clark's Grebe

37/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

667/5/2026

Green Heron

17/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/5/2026

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.