Cachuma Lake Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Cachuma Lake Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Mallard, Greater Scaup, and Band-tailed Pigeon 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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

3/6/2026UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course)2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course)1 observed

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

3/5/2026Lake Los Carneros Park1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/4/2026Farren Road4 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/1/2026Tecolotito creek at Glen Annie and Cathedral Oaks1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/28/2026Cachuma Lake Park2 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/27/2026UCSB--Campus Lagoon1 observed

Swinhoe's White-eye

Zosterops simplex

2/27/2026Valerio Street1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

2/25/2026Atascadero Creek--East of Patterson including Mitigation Area1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/25/2026Sedgwick Reserve (restricted access)2 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

2/22/2026Old RR Grade X More Mesa - 34.42426, -119.801721 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

22/28/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

22/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

22/28/2026

American Coot

522/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

32/28/2026

Western Grebe

142/28/2026

Clark's Grebe

12/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

32/28/2026

Osprey

12/28/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

32/28/2026

California Scrub-Jay

22/28/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Oak Titmouse

22/28/2026

Tree Swallow

22/28/2026

European Starling

12/28/2026

House Finch

62/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

12/28/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

42/28/2026

California Towhee

12/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/28/2026

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 Cachuma Lake Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cachuma Lake Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cachuma Lake Park?
Notable species at Cachuma Lake Park include Mallard, Greater Scaup, Band-tailed Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, American Coot. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cachuma Lake Park?
Birding at Cachuma Lake Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cachuma Lake Park?
Cachuma Lake Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.