Lake Elizabeth

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Elizabeth is a productive birding destination in California, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, and Gadwall 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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area4 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

3/5/2026Salt Pond A121 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

3/5/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/4/2026Don Edwards NWR--Pond A161 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

3/3/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/2/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/2/2026Del Valle Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/1/2026

Muscovy Duck

23/1/2026

Gadwall

33/1/2026

Mallard

83/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

33/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

123/1/2026

American Coot

183/1/2026

Killdeer

23/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/1/2026

California Gull

93/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/1/2026

Snowy Egret

23/1/2026

Great Egret

13/1/2026

American Crow

23/1/2026

European Starling

93/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

63/1/2026

Song Sparrow

23/1/2026

California Towhee

13/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

33/1/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

253/1/2026

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