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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/17/2026MacKerricher SP--end of Ward Ave Beach and Bluffs1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/10/2026MacKerricher SP—Ward to Pine Grove1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

7/7/2026Wavecut Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

47/18/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

17/18/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Black Phoebe

57/18/2026

Steller's Jay

47/18/2026

Common Raven

27/18/2026

Violet-green Swallow

47/18/2026

Wrentit

37/18/2026

House Finch

67/18/2026

Purple Finch

27/18/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/18/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

27/18/2026

Common Murre

27/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/17/2026

Song Sparrow

17/17/2026

Canada Goose

107/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

257/17/2026

Western Sandpiper

107/17/2026

Western Gull

257/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/17/2026

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.