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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/17/2026Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/17/2026Rush Creek OSP--Cemetery Marsh1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/17/2026Bolinas Lagoon1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Five Brooks Pond1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/15/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/14/2026Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Huichica Creek Unit - Pond 82 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

4/11/2026Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Huichica Creek Unit1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/11/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)118 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

4/10/2026200 Mountain King Rd, Lagunitas US-CA 38.02963, -122.706331 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Russet-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

4/10/2026Muir Beach--includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch1 observed

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)

Spatula discors x cyanoptera

4/9/2026Pacheco Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

14/14/2026

Canada Goose

1004/14/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/14/2026

Gadwall

64/14/2026

Mallard

204/14/2026

California Quail

14/14/2026

Wild Turkey

14/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/14/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/14/2026

American Coot

54/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/14/2026

Caspian Tern

44/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

204/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

204/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/14/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

34/14/2026

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.