Lake birding habitat

Lake Murray - southeast side

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Murray - southeast side is a productive birding destination in California, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Muscovy Duck 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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/9/2026Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego US-CA (32.6696,-117.2444)2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/9/2026Lindo Lake1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

7/9/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/9/2026San Antonio Ave, San Diego US-CA 32.70867, -117.237201 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

7/8/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

7/8/2026San Dieguito Sports Fields & Riparian1 observed

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

7/8/20261502 Palm Avenue, San Diego 32.58358, -117.102941 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/8/2026San Diego Bay NWR--SoCal Saltworks (restricted access)1 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

7/7/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Duck

37/8/2026

American Coot

57/8/2026

Caspian Tern

27/8/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

37/8/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

27/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/8/2026

Tricolored Blackbird

17/8/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

107/8/2026

Canada Goose

367/8/2026

Mallard

357/8/2026

Rock Pigeon

457/8/2026

Mourning Dove

67/8/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

57/8/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

37/8/2026

Common Gallinule

17/8/2026

Western Gull

47/8/2026

Western Grebe

47/8/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/8/2026

Snowy Egret

27/8/2026

Osprey

17/8/2026

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 Murray - southeast side for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Murray - southeast side for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Murray - southeast side?
Notable species at Lake Murray - southeast side include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Murray - southeast side?
Birding at Lake Murray - southeast side is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Murray - southeast side?
Lake Murray - southeast side offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.