Mono Lake - Lee Vining Creek Delta

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

LakeRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Loading map...

Notable Species

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/6/2026TIOGA PASS, MONO COUNTY1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wilson's Phalarope

7/3/2026

Canada Goose

76/30/2026

Gadwall

126/30/2026

Virginia Rail

26/30/2026

American Avocet

106/30/2026

Killdeer

26/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

56/30/2026

California Gull

806/30/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

26/30/2026

Northern Flicker

26/30/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

16/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

126/30/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

76/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/30/2026

Lazuli Bunting

16/30/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

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.