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

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

5/15/2026Three Sisters Trail, Tulelake, California, US (41.724, -121.455)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

805/18/2026

Cinnamon Teal

65/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

85/18/2026

Gadwall

205/18/2026

Mallard

85/18/2026

Redhead

45/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

25/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

45/18/2026

Ruddy Duck

25/18/2026

American Coot

5005/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/18/2026

Franklin's Gull

65/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

445/18/2026

Forster's Tern

65/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

85/18/2026

Horned Grebe

45/18/2026

Eared Grebe

3005/18/2026

Western Grebe

445/18/2026

Clark's Grebe

25/18/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/18/2026

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.