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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/12/2026South Klamath wetland20 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/12/2026Lower Klamath NWR--Auto Tour Route1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/6/2026Oc1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/5/2026Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, Klamath Falls US-OR 42.03044, -121.786951 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/5/2026Lower Klamath Lake, Tulelake US-CA 41.99028, -121.7690290 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/5/2026Lower Klamath NWR--Straits Drain1 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/5/2026Lower Klamath NWR--Straits Drain1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

114/6/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

15004/6/2026

Canada Goose

254/6/2026

Tundra Swan

64/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

104/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

3004/6/2026

Gadwall

1004/6/2026

Mallard

304/6/2026

Northern Pintail

254/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

124/6/2026

Redhead

54/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

204/6/2026

Bufflehead

504/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

34/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

1004/6/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/6/2026

Sora

24/6/2026

American Coot

3004/6/2026

Killdeer

24/6/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

204/6/2026

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.