Desert birding habitat

Susanville Effluent Ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Susanville Effluent Ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

4/16/2026Dawn Drive, Litchfield, California, US (40.437, -120.329)1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/15/2026Susanville Effluent Ponds1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/11/2026Honey Lake Wildlife Area--Fleming Unit2 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/9/2026Lake Leavitt1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

4/9/2026Shugru Reservoir1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/9/2026Shugru Reservoir1 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

4/7/2026Susanville Effluent Ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

244/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

124/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

104/17/2026

Gadwall

164/17/2026

Mallard

124/17/2026

Redhead

24/17/2026

Bufflehead

144/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

124/17/2026

Sora

14/17/2026

American Coot

144/17/2026

Black-necked Stilt

244/17/2026

American Avocet

124/17/2026

Killdeer

44/17/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

64/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

34/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

64/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

504/17/2026

Black-billed Magpie

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

54/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Susanville Effluent Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Susanville Effluent Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Susanville Effluent Ponds?
Notable species at Susanville Effluent Ponds include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Susanville Effluent Ponds?
Birding at Susanville Effluent Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Susanville Effluent Ponds?
Susanville Effluent Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.