Lake birding habitat

Mono Lake - general area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mono Lake - general area is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/6/2026TIOGA PASS, MONO COUNTY1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/6/2026Mono Lake--South Tufa area 3 observed

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

7/5/2026Walker Lake Road, Lee Vining, California, US (37.896, -119.131)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/5/2026Mono Lake--Old Marina1 observed

White-tailed Ptarmigan

Lagopus leucura

7/4/2026Hoover Wilderness, Lee Vining US-CA 37.93213, -119.271554 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

7/3/2026Lundy Canyon Trail--lower1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

7/1/2026Lundy Canyon Trail--lower1 observed

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

6/30/2026Mono Mills3 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

6/30/2026Mono Lake County Park1 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

6/30/2026Mono Lake County Park1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/28/2026Virginia Pass and trails1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

6/28/2026Yosemite NP--Tuolumne Meadows1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/9/2026

Lewis's Woodpecker

27/9/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/9/2026

Northern Flicker

37/9/2026

American Kestrel

17/9/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/9/2026

Dusky Flycatcher

17/9/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

27/9/2026

Tree Swallow

17/9/2026

Violet-green Swallow

87/9/2026

American Robin

27/9/2026

Bullock's Oriole

17/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/9/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

97/9/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/9/2026

Lazuli Bunting

27/9/2026

Killdeer

27/9/2026

Long-billed Curlew

37/9/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

297/9/2026

California Gull

307/9/2026

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 - general area for birding?
The best months to visit Mono Lake - general area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mono Lake - general area?
Notable species at Mono Lake - general area include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mono Lake - general area?
Birding at Mono Lake - general area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mono Lake - general area?
Mono Lake - general area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.