Wetland birding habitat

Stone Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Stone Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/25/2026Bald Hills Rd. mi. 0.0 – 0.51 observed

Parakeet Auklet

Aethia psittacula

5/25/2026West Face of Trinidad Head1 observed

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

5/24/2026Bald Hills Rd, Blue Lake US-CA (41.1448,-123.8678)8 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/24/2026Little River Bottoms1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/23/2026Clam and Little River State Beach2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/23/2026Big lagoon13 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/22/2026Freshwater Lagoon4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

45/23/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

45/23/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

25/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/23/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/23/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

35/23/2026

Tree Swallow

25/23/2026

Wrentit

25/23/2026

Pacific Wren

15/23/2026

Swainson's Thrush

25/23/2026

Cedar Waxwing

45/23/2026

Song Sparrow

45/23/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

45/23/2026

Wilson's Warbler

15/23/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

15/23/2026

Canada Goose

15/23/2026

Mallard

145/23/2026

American Coot

15/23/2026

Killdeer

25/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Stone Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Stone Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Stone Lagoon?
Notable species at Stone Lagoon include Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Double-crested Cormorant, Belted Kingfisher, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stone Lagoon?
Birding at Stone Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Stone Lagoon?
Stone Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.