Sprague Lake

Washington · Pacific Northwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sprague Lake is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Greater Scaup, and Lesser Scaup among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Bald Eagle

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Great Egret

Ardea alba

5/24/2026Rock Lake (Whitman County)1 observed

Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

5/18/2026Sprague Lake (Lincoln Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

35/30/2026

Gadwall

45/30/2026

Lesser Scaup

65/30/2026

Ruddy Duck

85/30/2026

California Quail

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

45/30/2026

American Coot

305/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Franklin's Gull

55/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

305/30/2026

California Gull

245/30/2026

Black Tern

185/30/2026

Forster's Tern

45/30/2026

Eared Grebe

25/30/2026

Western Grebe

65/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

145/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

American White Pelican

165/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Osprey

45/30/2026

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
Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Washington

Olympic National Park

Rainforest-to-coast park with Marbled Murrelets, seabirds, and alpine species.

Skagit Valley

Northwest Washington valley with exceptional wintering raptors, swans, and Snow Geese.

Discovery Park

Seattle's largest park with old-growth forest, Puget Sound shoreline, and 270+ bird species.

Washington Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Washington →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best months to visit Sprague Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Sprague Lake?▼

Notable species at Sprague Lake include Canada Goose, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Bald Eagle. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Sprague Lake?▼

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

What amenities are available at Sprague Lake?▼

Sprague Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.