Lake birding habitat

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Perris State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Red-tailed Hawk, and Merlin 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

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

7/20/2026Plunge Creek Truck Trail2 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/16/2026Redlands - private residence1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/15/2026Home1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

7/15/2026Redlands - private residence2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/15/2026Redlands - private residence1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/13/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area4 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/13/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area2 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/12/2026Lake Elsinore--south levee and back basin1 observed

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Dryobates scalaris

7/11/2026Santa Ana River at Greenspot Rd.2 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/11/2026Santa Ana River at Greenspot Rd.9 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

7/9/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)3 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/8/2026Lake Perris--Bernasconi entrance1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Clark's Grebe

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/13/2026

Scaly-breasted Munia

17/13/2026

House Sparrow

37/13/2026

House Finch

27/13/2026

California Towhee

17/13/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/13/2026

Canada Goose

37/13/2026

Wood Duck

257/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

107/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

107/13/2026

Gadwall

507/13/2026

American Wigeon

147/13/2026

Mallard

2007/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

127/13/2026

Redhead

457/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

3007/13/2026

Rock Pigeon

157/13/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/13/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/13/2026

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 Perris State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Perris State Recreation Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Perris State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Lake Perris State Recreation Area include Rock Pigeon, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Perris State Recreation Area?
Birding at Lake Perris State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Perris State Recreation Area?
Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.