Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)

California · Southwest

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Habitat

CoastalLake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) is a productive birding destination in California, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Mallard Lesser Scaup Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Nashville Warbler (ridgwayi)

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/12/2026Pier Ave beach entrance7 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

4/12/2026Bob Jones Trail1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/10/2026Waller Park1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed)

Leiothlypis celata

4/10/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

4/5/2026Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

44/15/2026

Gadwall

84/15/2026

Mallard

124/15/2026

Bufflehead

24/15/2026

Ruddy Duck

724/15/2026

Mourning Dove

14/15/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/15/2026

Sora

34/15/2026

American Coot

64/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

174/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

Willet

74/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/15/2026

Eared Grebe

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Western Flycatcher

24/15/2026

Black Phoebe

14/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

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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

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)?▼

Notable species at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)?▼

Birding at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)?▼

Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.