Lake birding habitat

Mono Lake - Lee Vining Creek Delta

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mono Lake - Lee Vining Creek Delta is a productive birding destination in California, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian 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

Gadwall

44/9/2026

Mallard

64/9/2026

Common Merganser

34/9/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/9/2026

Killdeer

54/9/2026

California Gull

14/9/2026

Eared Grebe

204/9/2026

Osprey

14/9/2026

Red-breasted Sapsucker

24/9/2026

Savannah Sparrow

34/9/2026

Song Sparrow

34/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/9/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/9/2026

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