Lake birding habitat

Lopez Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lopez Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Nashville Warbler (ridgwayi)

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

4/15/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/12/2026Pier Ave beach entrance7 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

4/12/2026Bob Jones Trail1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed)

Leiothlypis celata

4/10/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/9/2026Ormonde Road, San Luis Obispo, California, US (35.178, -120.62)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mountain Quail

34/16/2026

California Quail

54/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

44/16/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Northern Flicker

14/16/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

14/16/2026

California Scrub-Jay

14/16/2026

Oak Titmouse

44/16/2026

Bushtit

44/16/2026

Wrentit

34/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

34/16/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

24/16/2026

Northern House Wren

14/16/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/16/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

14/16/2026

Spotted Towhee

24/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/16/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

64/16/2026

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 Lopez Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Lopez Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lopez Lake?
Notable species at Lopez Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lopez Lake?
Birding at Lopez Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lopez Lake?
Lopez Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.