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

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/19/2026Yosemite NP--Gaylor Lakes Trail2 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/19/2026Yosemite National Park, Groveland US-CA 37.83360, -119.226282 observed

Western Flycatcher (Cordilleran)

Empidonax difficilis

7/18/2026Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport US-CA 38.10286, -119.282272 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/17/2026Virginia Lakes Rd.1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/17/2026Lower Virginia Creek Campground1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

27/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/19/2026

California Gull

27/19/2026

Osprey

37/19/2026

Violet-green Swallow

37/19/2026

American Pipit

27/19/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

107/19/2026

Mourning Dove

57/19/2026

Gray Flycatcher

27/19/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/19/2026

Sage Thrasher

27/19/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

17/19/2026

Western Meadowlark

17/19/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/14/2026

American Avocet

127/13/2026

Cliff Swallow

87/13/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/13/2026

Canada Goose

77/12/2026

Common Raven

47/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/11/2026

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.