Lake Hemet

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hemet is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Gadwall, Mallard, and American Coot 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

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

3/6/2026Oswit Canyon1 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

3/6/2026Oswit Canyon5 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

3/6/2026Oswit Canyon1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Hide-A Lane, Idyllwild1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Demuth Park (Palm Springs)2 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

3/5/2026Palm Desert--Ironwood Park1 observed

Abert's Towhee

Melozone aberti

3/4/2026Indian Canyons--Murray Canyon1 observed

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii

3/4/2026Palm Springs--The Wellness Park/Ruth Hardy Park1 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

3/3/2026Palm Springs International Airport1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

3/3/2026Quinn Flats (includes lower Fobes Ranch Road)1 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

3/3/2026Araby Trail1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

3/1/2026Lake Hemet1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

2/27/2026Palm Desert--Ironwood Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

2/27/2026Palm Springs Aerial Tramway--base1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

43/4/2026

Mallard

23/4/2026

American Coot

23/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/4/2026

American White Pelican

13/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

63/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

California Scrub-Jay

33/4/2026

Mountain Chickadee

23/4/2026

European Starling

43/4/2026

Western Bluebird

23/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/4/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/4/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/4/2026

American Wigeon

153/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

123/3/2026

Bufflehead

13/3/2026

Killdeer

23/3/2026

Eared Grebe

13/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

33/3/2026

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