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

Loading map...

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

Canada Goose

14/17/2026

Eared Grebe

144/17/2026

Osprey

44/17/2026

Savannah Sparrow

24/17/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

64/17/2026

Killdeer

34/13/2026

Western Sandpiper

104/13/2026

California Gull

14/13/2026

Western Flycatcher

14/13/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/13/2026

Common Raven

14/13/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

134/13/2026

Western Meadowlark

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

154/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/10/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/6/2026

Violet-green Swallow

404/6/2026

Rock Wren

14/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/6/2026

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.