Big Bear Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Big Bear Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead 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

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

3/4/2026Santa Ana River wash (Opal Avenue)2 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/3/2026Yucaipa Regional Park1 observed

Purple Finch (Western)

Haemorhous purpureus

3/3/2026Yucaipa Regional Park1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/2/2026Zanja & Orange Blossom Trails (Grove St to Wabash Ave)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/26/2026Big Bear Lake

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

2/23/2026Cushenbury Spring (Desert Avicaching)2 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

2/23/2026Wildwood Canyon State Park (CA Atlas - Forest Falls SW)1 observed

Mountain Quail

Oreortyx pictus

2/23/2026Wildwood Canyon State Park (CA Atlas - Forest Falls SW)1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

2/22/2026Zanja & Orange Blossom Trails (Grove St to Wabash Ave)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2/26/2026

Mallard

2/26/2026

Redhead

2/26/2026

Bufflehead

2/26/2026

Hooded Merganser

2/26/2026

Common Merganser

2/26/2026

Ruddy Duck

2/26/2026

American Coot

2/26/2026

American White Pelican

2/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

2/26/2026

Belted Kingfisher

2/26/2026

Steller's Jay

2/26/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

2/26/2026

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 Big Bear Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Big Bear Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Big Bear Lake?
Notable species at Big Bear Lake include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Bear Lake?
Birding at Big Bear Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Bear Lake?
Big Bear Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.