Lake birding habitat

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

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1B is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

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

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/4/2026Lower Klamath NWR--Auto Tour Route25 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/4/2026Lower Klamath NWR--White Lake (OR side)1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/4/2026Lower Klamath NWR--White Lake (OR side)51 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

404/12/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

4/12/2026

Cinnamon Teal

4/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/12/2026

Gadwall

4/12/2026

Bufflehead

4/12/2026

Ruddy Duck

4/12/2026

American Coot

4/12/2026

Black-necked Stilt

4/12/2026

Franklin's Gull

14/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

4/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

4/12/2026

Eared Grebe

4/12/2026

Western Grebe

4/12/2026

White-faced Ibis

4/12/2026

Snowy Egret

24/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Golden Eagle

14/12/2026

Bald Eagle

34/12/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

64/12/2026

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 1B for birding?
The best months to visit Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1B 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 1B?
Notable species at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1B 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 - Auto Tour and Sump 1B?
Birding at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1B 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 1B?
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1B offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.