Carson Lake

Nevada · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Carson Lake is a productive birding destination in Nevada, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Canada Goose among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Snow Goose Ross's Goose Canada Goose Tundra Swan Cinnamon Teal

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

8/15/2026Carson River Diversion Dam1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

8/15/2026Carson River Diversion Dam3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

5308/15/2026

Cinnamon Teal

18/15/2026

Gadwall

28/15/2026

Mallard

17508/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

28/15/2026

Mourning Dove

128/15/2026

Virginia Rail

38/15/2026

Sora

18/15/2026

American Coot

258/15/2026

Sandhill Crane

28/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

1508/15/2026

American Avocet

19008/15/2026

Killdeer

168/15/2026

Long-billed Curlew

48/15/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

88/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

28/15/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

18/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

18/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

28/15/2026

California Gull

58/15/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Nevada

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge

Great Basin wetland oasis with Pacific Flyway shorebirds and desert species in Nevada.

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Reservoir

Lake birding hotspot in Nevada with 230 recorded species.

Clark County Wetlands Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Nevada with 289 recorded species.

Nevada Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Nevada →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Carson Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit Carson Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Carson Lake?▼

Notable species at Carson Lake include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Cinnamon Teal. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Carson Lake?▼

Birding at Carson Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Carson Lake?▼

Carson Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.