Lake birding habitat

MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

5/31/2026Van Damme SP- Campgrounds and Trails1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Van Damme SP- Campgrounds and Trails1 observed

Murphy's Petrel

Pterodroma ultima

5/30/2026Noyo Pelagic - 30 May 2026 - Leg 53 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

5/30/2026Noyo Pelagic - 30 May 2026 - Slick 21 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

45/31/2026

Killdeer

35/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Steller's Jay

25/31/2026

Common Raven

35/31/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

55/31/2026

Wrentit

85/31/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Swainson's Thrush

105/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

Purple Finch

45/31/2026

American Goldfinch

35/31/2026

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 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.