Lake birding habitat

Stafford Lake County Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Stafford Lake County Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Pt. Reyes--Abbotts Lagoon1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/29/2026Shollenberger Wetland40 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

5/29/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/29/202690 Gazania Ct, Novato US-CA 38.11741, -122.571981 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

5/28/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

35/29/2026

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

85/29/2026

Black Phoebe

15/29/2026

American Crow

25/29/2026

Common Raven

45/29/2026

Tree Swallow

65/29/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/29/2026

Western Bluebird

15/29/2026

American Robin

45/29/2026

House Finch

65/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/29/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/29/2026

Cinnamon Teal

15/22/2026

Gadwall

35/22/2026

Mallard

55/22/2026

Ruddy Duck

15/22/2026

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 Stafford Lake County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Stafford Lake County Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Stafford Lake County Park?
Notable species at Stafford Lake County Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stafford Lake County Park?
Birding at Stafford Lake County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Stafford Lake County Park?
Stafford Lake County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.