Tinemaha Reservoir

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Canada Goose Mallard Bufflehead Common Merganser American Coot

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

4/9/2026Westgard Pass1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

24/5/2026

California Quail

44/5/2026

Mourning Dove

44/5/2026

Greater Roadrunner

14/5/2026

Sora

14/5/2026

Clark's Grebe

24/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

64/5/2026

American White Pelican

2004/5/2026

Northern Flicker

44/5/2026

American Kestrel

24/5/2026

Black Phoebe

14/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

234/5/2026

Bewick's Wren

34/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

74/5/2026

Song Sparrow

64/5/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

14/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

144/5/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

14/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

144/5/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.