Lake birding habitat

Mono Lake County Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mono Lake County Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Killdeer, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/19/2026Yosemite NP--Gaylor Lakes Trail2 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/19/2026Yosemite National Park, Groveland US-CA 37.83360, -119.226282 observed

Western Flycatcher (Cordilleran)

Empidonax difficilis

7/18/2026Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport US-CA 38.10286, -119.282272 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/17/2026Virginia Lakes Rd.1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/17/2026Lower Virginia Creek Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

17/20/2026

Lewis's Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Common Raven

27/20/2026

Violet-green Swallow

57/20/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/20/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

27/20/2026

Lazuli Bunting

17/20/2026

European Starling

7/20/2026

Mourning Dove

47/20/2026

American Kestrel

27/20/2026

Western Meadowlark

37/20/2026

Bullock's Oriole

27/20/2026

Red-breasted Sapsucker

27/20/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

17/20/2026

American Robin

27/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

47/19/2026

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 Mono Lake County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Mono Lake County Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mono Lake County Park?
Notable species at Mono Lake County Park include Canada Goose, Killdeer, Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mono Lake County Park?
Birding at Mono Lake County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Mono Lake County Park?
Mono Lake County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.