Lake birding habitat

Calaveras Lake

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Calaveras Lake is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 273 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, and Rock Pigeon among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

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

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

5/31/2026San Antonio Riverwalk area1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/31/2026Shannon’s Yard1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/28/2026Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (HOTE 103)1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/27/2026San Antonio Botanical Garden (HOTE 096)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/26/2026Woodlawn Lake Park, San Antonio US-TX 29.44981, -98.533364 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

5/25/2026San Antonio Botanical Garden (HOTE 096)1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/23/2026Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (HOTE 103)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/22/2026Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (HOTE 103)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/22/2026Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (HOTE 103)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

45/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

15/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Green Heron

15/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

American White Pelican

35/30/2026

Black Vulture

805/30/2026

Western Kingbird

25/30/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

25/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Purple Martin

15/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

405/30/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

House Sparrow

105/30/2026

Bullock's Oriole

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/30/2026

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

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Calaveras Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Calaveras Lake for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Calaveras Lake?
Notable species at Calaveras Lake include Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Calaveras Lake?
Birding at Calaveras Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Calaveras Lake?
Calaveras Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.