Lake birding habitat

Washoe Lake State Park

Nevada · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Washoe Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Nevada, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Canada Goose, and Black-billed Magpie among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

8/23/2026Bigelow Pond1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

8/19/2026Camille Drive Backyard1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

8/16/2026Virginia City (town)1 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

8/16/2026575 Lakeshore Blvd, Incline Village US-NV 39.24824, -119.979413 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

8/15/2026Virginia Lake1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

8/12/202614th Green way1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

8/11/2026Spooner Lake SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Least Sandpiper

18/23/2026

Caspian Tern

78/23/2026

Forster's Tern

98/23/2026

American Coot

608/23/2026

Killdeer

38/23/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

18/23/2026

Ring-billed Gull

68/23/2026

California Gull

808/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

88/23/2026

Great Egret

58/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/23/2026

American White Pelican

248/23/2026

Bald Eagle

18/23/2026

Horned Lark

48/23/2026

Savannah Sparrow

28/23/2026

Common Raven

28/21/2026

Cooper's Hawk

18/19/2026

California Scrub-Jay

28/19/2026

Black-billed Magpie

28/19/2026

Mountain Chickadee

28/18/2026

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 Washoe Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Washoe Lake State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Washoe Lake State Park?
Notable species at Washoe Lake State Park include Rock Pigeon, Canada Goose, Black-billed Magpie, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Washoe Lake State Park?
Birding at Washoe Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Washoe Lake State Park?
Washoe Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.