Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026UC Riverside Botanic Gardens2 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

3/5/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area2 observed

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

3/5/2026Sugarloaf Mountain (Riverside)1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

3/4/2026Santa Ana River wash (Opal Avenue)2 observed

Purple Finch (Western)

Haemorhous purpureus

3/4/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)2 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/4/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/4/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

3/4/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/3/2026Yucaipa Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

302/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/22/2026

Merlin

12/22/2026

Say's Phoebe

22/22/2026

Common Raven

62/22/2026

European Starling

102/22/2026

House Finch

82/22/2026

Western Meadowlark

12/22/2026

Gadwall

202/21/2026

Mallard

162/21/2026

Common Merganser

62/21/2026

Mourning Dove

22/21/2026

American Coot

502/21/2026

California Gull

12/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

62/21/2026

Western Grebe

1202/21/2026

Common Loon

12/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

62/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

12/21/2026

Snowy Egret

42/21/2026

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.