Lake birding habitat

Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

7/11/20262.5 miles past Inyo craters on MSLoop1 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

7/11/2026Forest Service Road 1S17, Bishop US-CA (37.8027,-118.8102)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/6/2026TIOGA PASS, MONO COUNTY1 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

6/30/2026Forest Service Road 1S17, Bishop US-CA 37.83599, -118.768142 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

Gadwall

487/11/2026

Mallard

47/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

107/11/2026

American Avocet

27/11/2026

Killdeer

67/11/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/11/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/11/2026

California Gull

8007/11/2026

Osprey

17/11/2026

Black Phoebe

17/11/2026

Violet-green Swallow

17/11/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/11/2026

Sage Thrasher

17/11/2026

Song Sparrow

17/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

307/11/2026

Canada Goose

107/5/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/5/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

37/5/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/5/2026

Mourning Dove

37/2/2026

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 - Rush Creek Delta for birding?
The best months to visit Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta?
Notable species at Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta include Cinnamon Teal, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Killdeer. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta?
Birding at Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta?
Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.