Lake birding habitat

Legg Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Legg Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser 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

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/27/2026Griffith Observatory2 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/27/20265272 La Canada Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge US-CA 34.22158, -118.204351 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.2 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/27/202614110 Tedford Drive East, Whittier, California, US (33.918, -118.031)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/27/2026Atwater Village1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/27/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/26/20264980 Stevely Ave, Lakewood US-CA 33.84820, -118.100851 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/26/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.84068, -117.857341 observed

Anna's Hummingbird x Selasphorus sp. (hybrid)

Calypte anna x Selasphorus sp.

5/26/20261201 Montecito Dr, Los Angeles US-CA 34.08812, -118.199261 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/26/2026Hollywood Reservoir1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/25/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/25/2026W Fork San Gabriel River--Hwy 39 to Cogswell Reservoir1 observed

Snow x Ross's Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x rossii

5/24/2026Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

505/27/2026

Black Phoebe

25/27/2026

American Crow

15/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

25/27/2026

Western Bluebird

35/27/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

15/27/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

45/27/2026

Swan Goose

15/24/2026

Egyptian Goose

45/24/2026

Muscovy Duck

25/24/2026

Mallard

85/24/2026

Rock Pigeon

5/24/2026

Mourning Dove

65/24/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/24/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Common Gallinule

75/24/2026

Caspian Tern

15/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

5/24/2026

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 Legg Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Legg Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Legg Lake?
Notable species at Legg Lake include Canada Goose, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Eurasian Collared-Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Legg Lake?
Birding at Legg Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Legg Lake?
Legg Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.