Lake birding habitat

Tinemaha Reservoir

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tinemaha Reservoir is a productive birding destination in California, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead 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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/27/2026Tollhouse Spring1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/27/2026Glacier Lodge Rd, Big Pine US-CA 37.15176, -118.314611 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Western)

Polioptila caerulea

5/24/2026Tollhouse Spring2 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

5/23/2026White Mountain Rd--37.31122, -118.180712 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/23/2026Tollhouse Spring1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

5/21/2026Glacier Lodge Rd, Big Pine US-CA 37.13020, -118.410261 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/16/2026Owens River--Mazourka Canyon Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Gull

25/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/21/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/21/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/21/2026

Common Raven

25/21/2026

House Finch

45/21/2026

Bullock's Oriole

25/21/2026

Canada Goose

85/21/2026

Gadwall

95/21/2026

Mallard

25/21/2026

Sora

15/21/2026

American Coot

125/21/2026

Western Grebe

15/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/21/2026

Bald Eagle

15/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Western Kingbird

25/21/2026

Song Sparrow

15/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/21/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/21/2026

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 Tinemaha Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Tinemaha Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tinemaha Reservoir?
Notable species at Tinemaha Reservoir include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tinemaha Reservoir?
Birding at Tinemaha Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tinemaha Reservoir?
Tinemaha Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.