Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end)

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts California Quail, Turkey Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park4 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park2 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/5/2026South Clairemont Community Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/5/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/4/2026Rangeland Rd.1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

3/4/2026Hwy 101 Tipus (Solana Beach)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

13/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

13/2/2026

American Crow

53/2/2026

Wrentit

23/2/2026

European Starling

53/2/2026

Song Sparrow

33/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

93/2/2026

Western Grebe

852/28/2026

Clark's Grebe

12/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

22/28/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

12/28/2026

Common Yellowthroat

22/28/2026

Eared Grebe

12/28/2026

American Coot

2/28/2026

Killdeer

2/28/2026

Snowy Egret

2/28/2026

Black Phoebe

2/28/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

2/28/2026

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 Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end)?
Notable species at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) include California Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, California Scrub-Jay, American Crow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end)?
Birding at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end)?
Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.