San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bald Eagle among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

7/12/2026Ogier Ponds1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/11/2026College Lake2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/10/2026Old Chittenden Road1 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

7/9/2026Rocks Rd.3 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

7/6/2026San Felipe Rd. (SCL Co.)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/4/2026Soda Lake area (private; view from Hwy 129 only)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/4/2026Old Chittenden Road1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

7/3/2026Soda Lake area (private; view from Hwy 129 only)5 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/1/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/1/2026College Lake1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/30/2026Cole Rd.2 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

6/29/2026Casa de Fruta1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Egret

87/5/2026

American White Pelican

57/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/5/2026

Common Raven

27/5/2026

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

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake?▼

Notable species at San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake?▼

Birding at San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake?▼

San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.