Quail Lake

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

5/30/202620538 Pine Canyon Rd, Lake Hughes US-CA (34.6921,-118.4916)1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/30/2026Quail Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

235/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/30/2026

Common Raven

15/30/2026

House Finch

35/30/2026

Lawrence's Goldfinch

25/30/2026

Song Sparrow

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

75/30/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/30/2026

Mallard

245/30/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

15/30/2026

Ruddy Duck

125/30/2026

California Quail

75/30/2026

Mourning Dove

35/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/30/2026

White-faced Ibis

135/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/30/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

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.

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 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.