Lake birding habitat

Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk

Nevada · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk is a productive birding destination in Nevada, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

4/20/2026Rancho San Rafael Park1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/19/2026Old Verdi Rd, Verdi US-NV 39.48408, -119.990601 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

4/17/2026Hidden Valley Regional Park (Washoe Co.)2 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/16/2026Oxbow Nature Study Area1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/14/2026Silver Lake1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

4/14/2026Beckwourth Pass1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

64/17/2026

Mallard

14/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

44/17/2026

Mourning Dove

44/17/2026

Virginia Rail

24/17/2026

Sora

14/17/2026

American Coot

4/17/2026

Eared Grebe

4/17/2026

Clark's Grebe

24/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

104/17/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

24/17/2026

Marsh Wren

64/17/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

104/17/2026

Western Meadowlark

24/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/17/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

44/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

64/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/15/2026

Bufflehead

64/15/2026

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 Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk for birding?
The best months to visit Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk?
Notable species at Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk?
Birding at Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk?
Swan Lake Nature Study Area - Boardwalk offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.