Lake birding habitat

Lake Merritt

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Merritt is a productive birding destination in California, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Common Goldeneye, and Rock Pigeon 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/27/2026Pacheco Marsh--Pt. Edith Trail (TransMontaigne Pipeline Trail)2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/27/2026Bryce Canyon Ct., San Ramon, CA1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/27/2026Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, Mill Valley US-CA 37.90948, -122.569611 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

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/27/2026Lafayette Reservoir1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point4 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Lone Tree Point20 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

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/26/2026Hayward, Drummond north (gated community)1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/26/2026Presidio--El Polin Springs & Inspiration Point1 observed

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/26/2026Sutro Baths--seawatch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

155/27/2026

Mallard

65/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

315/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Western Gull

65/27/2026

California Gull

35/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

85/27/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/27/2026

Snowy Egret

15/27/2026

American White Pelican

15/27/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/27/2026

Western Bluebird

15/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/26/2026

Brown Pelican

25/26/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/26/2026

Tree Swallow

55/26/2026

Violet-green Swallow

35/26/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/26/2026

American Robin

25/26/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

15/26/2026

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 Merritt for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Merritt for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Merritt?
Notable species at Lake Merritt include Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Rock Pigeon, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Merritt?
Birding at Lake Merritt is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Merritt?
Lake Merritt offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.