Lake birding habitat

Mono Lake - South Tufa area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mono Lake - South Tufa area is a productive birding destination in California, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ruddy Duck, Killdeer, and American Kestrel 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

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 Mockingbird

15/27/2026

Gadwall

15/27/2026

Mourning Dove

15/27/2026

American Avocet

35/27/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

55/27/2026

Savannah Sparrow

25/27/2026

Green-tailed Towhee

25/27/2026

Western Meadowlark

25/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/27/2026

Sage Thrasher

25/25/2026

Sagebrush Sparrow

15/25/2026

Eared Grebe

125/25/2026

Violet-green Swallow

605/25/2026

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 - South Tufa area for birding?
The best months to visit Mono Lake - South Tufa area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mono Lake - South Tufa area?
Notable species at Mono Lake - South Tufa area include Ruddy Duck, Killdeer, American Kestrel, Canada Goose, Eared Grebe. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mono Lake - South Tufa area?
Birding at Mono Lake - South Tufa area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mono Lake - South Tufa area?
Mono Lake - South Tufa area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.