Lake Herman

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Herman is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Rock Pigeon, 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Shannon Hills1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/6/20262400 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, California, US (37.867, -122.261)1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/6/2026Backyard in Browns Valley, Napa1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Carquinez Heights overlook1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Booker T Anderson Park1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/5/2026South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough17 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/5/2026Lafayette Reservoir1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Cesar Chavez Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/3/2026

Rock Pigeon

123/3/2026

Mourning Dove

23/3/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/3/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

73/3/2026

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Black Phoebe

23/3/2026

California Scrub-Jay

23/3/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

13/3/2026

Oak Titmouse

13/3/2026

Bushtit

33/3/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/3/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/3/2026

Western Bluebird

13/3/2026

House Finch

63/3/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

23/3/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

113/3/2026

Song Sparrow

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 Herman for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Herman for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Herman?
Notable species at Lake Herman include Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Herman?
Birding at Lake Herman is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Herman?
Lake Herman offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.