Lake Henshaw

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Henshaw is a productive birding destination in California, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/6/2026814–818 Pine Hills Rd, Julian US-CA 33.07571, -116.617601 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/5/2026San Diego Zoo Safari Park (CA Atlas - Escondido NE)2 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/5/2026Lake Henshaw2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/4/2026Rangeland Rd.1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

3/5/2026

American Wigeon

3/5/2026

Mallard

63/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

3/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

3/5/2026

Wild Turkey

123/5/2026

Mourning Dove

3/5/2026

American Coot

3/5/2026

Killdeer

63/5/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

253/5/2026

Eared Grebe

3/5/2026

Western Grebe

13/5/2026

Clark's Grebe

43/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

American White Pelican

3/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

253/5/2026

Bald Eagle

83/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

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