Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Merganser, and Mourning Dove 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

Bushtit (Pacific)

Psaltriparus minimus

3/5/2026Loomis Basin Community Park6 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026MY PIT (for BIG SIT DATA)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/3/2026CA Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Westgate Drive #75551 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/3/20262751 Breen Drive, Rocklin, California, US (38.818, -121.261)3 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/3/2026HPV woods1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/3/2026Auburn SRA--Catecroft Lane trailhead1 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

3/2/2026S Shingle Rd, Shingle Springs US-CA (38.6627,-120.9376)1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

2/28/2026Deer Creek Bridge--Latrobe Rd. / Cothrin Ranch Rd.1 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

2/28/2026Kassis Property--Upper (Meadow), Rancho Cordova1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

2/21/2026Payen Rd. (SAC Co.)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

2/21/2026Arden-Arcade US-CA 38.59151, -121.390301 observed

Sandhill Crane (Greater)

Antigone canadensis

2/21/2026S Shingle Rd.--west of Latrobe6 observed

Sandhill Crane (Lesser)

Antigone canadensis

2/21/2026S Shingle Rd.--west of Latrobe1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/5/2026

Common Merganser

53/5/2026

Mourning Dove

33/5/2026

Killdeer

63/5/2026

California Gull

13/5/2026

Western Grebe

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Common Raven

33/5/2026

Oak Titmouse

53/5/2026

Tree Swallow

53/5/2026

Bushtit

23/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Rock Wren

13/5/2026

European Starling

93/5/2026

Western Bluebird

13/5/2026

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 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point for birding?
The best months to visit Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point?
Notable species at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point include Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, California Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point?
Birding at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point?
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.