Lake Skinner County Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

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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

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/1/2026The Legends Golf Club1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/1/202638208 Calle Cipres, Murrieta US-CA 33.56722, -117.252101 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/22/2026Meadows Park18 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

2/22/2026French Valley Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/3/2026

Bufflehead

93/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

153/3/2026

American Coot

83/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/3/2026

Eared Grebe

13/3/2026

Western Grebe

83/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

483/3/2026

Great Egret

33/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

23/3/2026

Black Phoebe

23/3/2026

California Scrub-Jay

23/3/2026

American Crow

23/3/2026

Common Raven

13/3/2026

Tree Swallow

43/3/2026

Bushtit

53/3/2026

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 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.