Lake birding habitat

Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/27/2026Bryce Canyon Ct., San Ramon, CA1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/26/2026Sycamore Grove Park8 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/25/2026Mt. Diablo SP--Mitchell Canyon1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/22/2026Bradford Island2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/22/2026Markham Nature Area1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

5/21/20262103 Prestwick Dr, Discovery Bay US-CA 37.89530, -121.591131 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/21/2026Sherman Island1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

5/20/2026Shadow Cliffs Regional Park2 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon (Northern)

Patagioenas fasciata

5/20/2026Mendenhall Rd.2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/19/2026Heather Farm Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Indian Peafowl

15/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

305/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Killdeer

15/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/28/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/28/2026

Western Kingbird

25/28/2026

Common Raven

35/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/28/2026

House Finch

5/28/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

5/28/2026

Canada Goose

15/25/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/24/2026

American Crow

25/24/2026

Tree Swallow

15/24/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

15/24/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/19/2026

Golden Eagle

15/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/19/2026

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 Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site for birding?
The best months to visit Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site?
Notable species at Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site?
Birding at Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site?
Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.