Los Banos Wildlife Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Los Banos Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/1/2026Merced NWR--viewing platform at Pintail Marsh1 observed

Merlin (Black)

Falco columbarius

2/28/2026Merced NWR--Auto Tour Route (4.8-mile one-way loop road)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed)

Leiothlypis celata

2/28/2026Merced NWR--Auto Tour Route (4.8-mile one-way loop road)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

63/6/2026

Mallard

73/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

103/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

303/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/6/2026

Sora

13/6/2026

Common Gallinule

13/6/2026

American Coot

103/6/2026

Killdeer

53/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

53/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

353/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

63/6/2026

Clark's Grebe

43/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

113/6/2026

White-faced Ibis

1023/6/2026

Snowy Egret

13/6/2026

Great Egret

253/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

63/6/2026

American White Pelican

33/6/2026

Northern Harrier

43/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Los Banos Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Los Banos Wildlife Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Los Banos Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Los Banos Wildlife Area include Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Los Banos Wildlife Area?
Birding at Los Banos Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Los Banos Wildlife Area?
Los Banos Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.