Lake Skinner County Park

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

LakeUrban Park

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Skinner County Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Mallard, Lesser Scaup, and Bufflehead among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Mallard Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Common Goldeneye American Coot

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

7/14/2026Riverton Park, Temecula US-CA (33.5398,-117.1101)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/6/2026Lake Elsinore--south levee and back basin1 observed

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Dryobates scalaris

7/5/2026High Point Truck Trail1 observed

Cactus Wren

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

7/5/2026High Point Truck Trail5 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

7/5/2026Dameron Valley Unnamed Rd #11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

27/17/2026

Black Phoebe

37/17/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

17/17/2026

American Crow

27/17/2026

Western Bluebird

47/17/2026

House Finch

27/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/17/2026

California Towhee

17/17/2026

Bushtit

57/17/2026

Scaly-breasted Munia

17/17/2026

Song Sparrow

27/17/2026

Hooded Oriole

17/17/2026

Western Tanager

17/15/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/14/2026

Common Raven

27/14/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/14/2026

Lark Sparrow

17/14/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

27/13/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Skinner County Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Lake Skinner County Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Lake Skinner County Park?▼

Notable species at Lake Skinner County Park include Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, American Coot. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.

How difficult is birding at Lake Skinner County Park?▼

Birding at Lake Skinner County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Lake Skinner County Park?▼

Lake Skinner County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.