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

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

Fox Sparrow (Slate-colored)

Passerella iliaca

5/19/2026Virginia Lakes Resort1 observed

Bushtit (Interior)

Psaltriparus minimus

5/18/2026Travertine Hot Springs5 observed

Fox Sparrow (Thick-billed)

Passerella iliaca

5/18/2026Lundy Canyon Campground (county)1 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

5/16/202622 Wyoming Street, June Lake, California, USA1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/16/2026CA-158, June Lake US-CA 37.78535, -119.126522 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

5/28/2026

Killdeer

25/28/2026

California Gull

5/28/2026

Osprey

45/28/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

55/28/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

15/28/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

5/28/2026

Northern Flicker

15/28/2026

Steller's Jay

15/28/2026

Common Raven

15/28/2026

Northern House Wren

15/28/2026

Pine Siskin

35/28/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/28/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/28/2026

Green-tailed Towhee

15/28/2026

Western Meadowlark

15/28/2026

Bullock's Oriole

15/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/27/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

25/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/27/2026

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.