Lake birding habitat

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/26/2026Unnamed Road, Tulelake, California, US (41.807, -121.521)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/25/2026Lower Klamath NWR--Auto Tour Route1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/16/2026straits drain, lower klamath wildlife refuge1 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

5/16/20265201–5407 E Butte Valley Rd, Macdoel US-CA 41.94974, -121.901681 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

445/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

115/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/17/2026

Gadwall

265/17/2026

Mallard

195/17/2026

Redhead

95/17/2026

Bufflehead

25/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

85/17/2026

California Quail

15/17/2026

American Coot

1005/17/2026

Killdeer

25/17/2026

Franklin's Gull

25/17/2026

Caspian Tern

15/17/2026

Forster's Tern

65/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

215/17/2026

Eared Grebe

755/17/2026

Western Grebe

245/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

2505/17/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

65/17/2026

Great Egret

25/17/2026

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 Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.