Lake birding habitat

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye 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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/4/2026Lower Klamath NWR--Auto Tour Route2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/4/2026Township Rd.--East end fields89 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

4/4/2026Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, Tulelake US-CA 41.96470, -121.745211 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

4/12/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

4/12/2026

Canada Goose

4/12/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/12/2026

Gadwall

4/12/2026

Northern Pintail

14/12/2026

Ring-necked Duck

14/12/2026

Lesser Scaup

4/12/2026

Bufflehead

4/12/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/12/2026

Common Merganser

44/12/2026

Ruddy Duck

4/12/2026

California Quail

14/12/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

24/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

4/12/2026

American Coot

4/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

4/12/2026

Black-necked Stilt

24/12/2026

Killdeer

4/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

4/12/2026

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 - Auto Tour and Sump 1A for birding?
The best months to visit Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A 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 - Auto Tour and Sump 1A?
Notable species at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A include Northern Shoveler, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A?
Birding at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A?
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.