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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/14/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Lincoln Ave. to Glassell St.7 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/14/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Taft Ave. to Lincoln Ave.1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/12/2026Santa Fe Dam--Nature Center Area2 observed

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

7/12/2026Wrigley Greenbelt .31st And San Francisco Ave Long Beach, California, US (33.813, -118.204)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/12/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/12/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/10/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3007/14/2026

Egyptian Goose

37/14/2026

Mallard

1007/14/2026

Mourning Dove

27/14/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

607/14/2026

Snowy Egret

37/14/2026

Great Egret

17/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/14/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Black Phoebe

47/14/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

17/14/2026

Common Raven

17/14/2026

Tree Swallow

347/14/2026

Barn Swallow

87/14/2026

Cliff Swallow

57/14/2026

Bushtit

87/14/2026

Northern House Wren

17/14/2026

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.