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

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/17/2026Foster City Shell Bar30 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

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/16/2026Wildcat Canyon Regional Park--vicinity of 1 Los Arboles1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/16/2026MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline--New Marsh/San Leandro Creek1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/16/2026Tilden Regional Park--Botanic Garden1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/16/2026Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline (please do not use for areas northwest of dog park)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/16/2026Ocean Beach-- across from Oceanside Water Polution Plant (FOR STATIONARY SEAWATCH ONLY)11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/17/2026

Mallard

47/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

87/17/2026

Western Gull

557/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

297/17/2026

Snowy Egret

67/17/2026

Great Egret

57/17/2026

American White Pelican

247/17/2026

Brown Pelican

47/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/17/2026

Black Phoebe

17/17/2026

House Sparrow

87/17/2026

Graylag Goose

37/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/15/2026

California Gull

77/15/2026

Caspian Tern

17/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

American Crow

187/15/2026

Western Bluebird

17/15/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/15/2026

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.