Lake Merritt

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026Candlestick Pt. State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate2 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Carquinez Heights overlook1 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

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

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

3/5/2026Ballena Bay1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

Greater Scaup

3/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

3/5/2026

Bufflehead

3/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

3/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

3/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

3/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

3/5/2026

American Coot

3/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/5/2026

Western Gull

3/5/2026

California Gull

3/5/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

3/5/2026

Eared Grebe

3/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

3/5/2026

Snowy Egret

3/5/2026

Brown Pelican

23/5/2026

American Crow

3/5/2026

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 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.