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

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

5/28/2026Gulf of the Farallones (SF Co.)1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/28/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/28/2026Green Gulch Zen Center, Zendo, Zendo Pond & Gardens Area1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Pacifica Yard List1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Crown Road Area — Baltimore Canyon OSP1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Golden Gate Park, San Francisco US-CA 37.76959, -122.494801 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

5/27/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/27/2026Work1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/27/2026Fort Funston - for long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026Home1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/26/2026Golden Gate Park--Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/26/2026Parnassus Backyards -- Cole Valley6 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

5/26/2026Presidio, San Francisco US-CA 37.79631, -122.462781 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

55/28/2026

American Crow

35/28/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

35/28/2026

House Finch

25/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

15/28/2026

Western Gull

55/28/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

California Towhee

15/28/2026

Mourning Dove

35/27/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

45/27/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

45/27/2026

Great Horned Owl

85/27/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/27/2026

Red-masked Parakeet

35/27/2026

Black Phoebe

25/27/2026

Steller's Jay

25/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

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.