Tufa towers rising from Mono Lake with Sierra Nevada backdrop

Mono Lake

California · West

Habitat
WetlandDesert
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

July-September

Entrance Fee

$3 per adult (Tufa State Natural Reserve)

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily; visitor center hours vary seasonally

About This Location

Mono Lake is an ancient saline lake in the eastern Sierra Nevada that supports enormous populations of brine shrimp and alkali flies, attracting millions of migratory birds. Wilson's Phalaropes and Red-necked Phalaropes gather by the hundreds of thousands, and the tufa towers create a surreal landscape.

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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Negit Island CE Atlas Block2 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/24/2026June Lake2 observed

Chukar

Alectoris chukar

5/22/2026Cottonwood Canyon Road, Bridgeport, California, US (38.167, -119.023)2 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

5/21/2026Goat Ranch Cutoff Rd.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

15/23/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/23/2026

Black-billed Magpie

15/23/2026

European Starling

25/23/2026

Western Meadowlark

25/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit in late summer for peak phalarope numbers

  2. 2

    The South Tufa area has the best access and views

  3. 3

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mono Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Mono Lake for birding are July-September. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mono Lake?
Notable species at Mono Lake include Wilson's Phalarope, Red-necked Phalarope, Eared Grebe, California Gull, Snowy Plover, Canada Goose, Spotted Towhee, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports wetland, desert habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mono Lake?
Birding at Mono Lake is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Mono Lake?
The entrance fee at Mono Lake is $3 per adult (Tufa State Natural Reserve). Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; visitor center hours vary seasonally.
What amenities are available at Mono Lake?
Mono Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.