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

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

4/16/2026Mono City1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

4/15/2026Dechambeau Ponds1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

4/9/2026Mill Creek Delta1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

4/6/2026Mono Lake--South Tufa area 1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

American Kestrel

14/17/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/17/2026

Cassin's Finch

24/17/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

14/17/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/17/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/16/2026

Hooded Oriole

14/16/2026

California Gull

14/16/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/16/2026

Common Poorwill

14/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

4/15/2026

House Sparrow

4/15/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

4/15/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

4/15/2026

Bullock's Oriole

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/15/2026

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.