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

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/30/2026McLarty Residence1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

5/29/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/29/2026Santa Ana River Wildlife Management Area, Riverside US-CA 33.96681, -117.451911 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/28/2026Lake Perris State Recreation Area1 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

5/28/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area3 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/28/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/26/202610018 Ivy Ct, Yucaipa US-CA 34.07193, -117.028931 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

5/26/2026Redlands - private residence1 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

5/25/2026Bundy Canyon Road (Lake Elsinore SE Atlas Block)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/25/2026Lake Elsinore--south levee and back basin1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/24/20261580 Elizabeth St, Redlands US-CA (34.0305,-117.1664)18 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/24/2026Lake Elsinore--south levee and back basin1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

125/28/2026

California Quail

35/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

155/28/2026

Mourning Dove

25/28/2026

White-throated Swift

85/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Forster's Tern

15/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

35/28/2026

Western Grebe

85/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/28/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

25/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

165/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/28/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/28/2026

American Kestrel

25/28/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/28/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

35/28/2026

Black Phoebe

55/28/2026

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.