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

7/19/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District3 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/19/2026Pt. Pinole Regional Park1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/19/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island2 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

7/19/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/18/2026San Pablo Bay NWR-- Tern Island1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/17/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

7/17/2026580 Evergreen Rd Bolinas, CA1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

7/17/2026Pt. 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

Anna's Hummingbird

17/19/2026

California Towhee

27/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/19/2026

Wild Turkey

17/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/19/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

American White Pelican

57/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/19/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/19/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Black Phoebe

17/19/2026

Oak Titmouse

27/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

27/19/2026

Bushtit

47/19/2026

House Finch

57/19/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/19/2026

American Barn Owl

27/19/2026

Canada Goose

417/19/2026

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.