Quail Lake

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Quail Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, 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 Gadwall Mallard Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup

Live Bird Data

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Lesser Scaup

23/5/2026

Bufflehead

33/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

43/5/2026

American Coot

253/5/2026

Osprey

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

13/5/2026

American Crow

43/5/2026

Common Raven

33/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

13/5/2026

Barn Swallow

23/5/2026

Marsh Wren

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

183/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

103/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

23/1/2026

Gadwall

43/1/2026

Mallard

193/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

133/1/2026

Greater Scaup

23/1/2026

California Quail

23/1/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Quail Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit Quail Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Quail Lake?▼

Notable species at Quail Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Quail Lake?▼

Birding at Quail Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Quail Lake?▼

Quail Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.