Lake birding habitat

Silver Lake Reservoir

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Silver Lake Reservoir is a productive birding destination in California, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Eared Grebe, Common Raven, and Bewick's Wren 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

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/1/2026Los Angeles National Cemetery1 observed

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

6/1/2026Los Angeles National Cemetery1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/31/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Los Angeles River--Hyperion Ave to Fletcher Dr.1 observed

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

5/31/2026Charlie Beach, Los Angeles US-CA 33.96392, -118.459581 observed

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

5/31/2026Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area10 observed

Snow x Ross's Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x rossii

5/31/2026Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/31/2026Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area--Entire Area1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

5/31/2026San Gabriel River Restoration Site1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Village Green1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/30/2026Los Angeles River--Hyperion Ave to Fletcher Dr.1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/30/2026Topanga State Park, Los Angeles US-CA 34.09331, -118.58747Eat1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

175/30/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

White-throated Swift

45/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Common Raven

25/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/30/2026

Barn Swallow

25/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

Western Bluebird

25/30/2026

House Finch

25/30/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

25/30/2026

California Towhee

15/30/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

225/29/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

35/29/2026

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 Silver Lake Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Silver Lake Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Silver Lake Reservoir?
Notable species at Silver Lake Reservoir include Eared Grebe, Common Raven, Bewick's Wren, Western Bluebird, House Finch. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Silver Lake Reservoir?
Birding at Silver Lake Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Silver Lake Reservoir?
Silver Lake Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.