MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds is a productive birding destination in California, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Wood Duck, Surf Scoter, and Red-breasted 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

Wood Duck Surf Scoter Red-breasted Merganser American Coot Black Oystercatcher

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/16/2026MacKerricher SP--Virgin Creek Beach and all of estuary, otherwise WEST of Haul Rd ONLY1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/16/2026MacKerricher SP--Virgin Creek Beach and all of estuary, otherwise WEST of Haul Rd ONLY2 observed

Vega Gull

Larus vegae

4/11/202610-Mile Beach N - Inglenook Creekmouth1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/5/2026MacKerricher SP- Pudding Cr to Virgin Cr Beach1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/5/2026MacKerricher SP- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

4/4/2026Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Black Scoter

14/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Western Grebe

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/15/2026

Barn Swallow

64/15/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

14/15/2026

Wilson's Warbler

14/15/2026

Wrentit

14/15/2026

Marsh Wren

34/15/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

14/15/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/15/2026

Song Sparrow

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/15/2026

Mallard

44/5/2026

Surf Scoter

324/5/2026

Mourning Dove

14/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/5/2026

Black Oystercatcher

14/5/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds for birding?▼

The best months to visit MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds?▼

Notable species at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds include Wood Duck, Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, American Coot, Black Oystercatcher. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds?▼

Birding at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds?▼

MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.