Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) is a productive birding destination in California, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This lake and chaparral habitat attracts California Quail, Greater Roadrunner, and Allen's Hummingbird 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026South Clairemont Community Park1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/6/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/4/2026Rangeland Rd.1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

12/26/2026

Greater Roadrunner

12/26/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

72/26/2026

American White Pelican

22/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

42/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/26/2026

Black Phoebe

22/26/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

52/26/2026

Bushtit

362/26/2026

California Gnatcatcher

22/26/2026

Bewick's Wren

22/26/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

12/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

32/26/2026

Song Sparrow

402/26/2026

California Towhee

62/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

152/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

12/26/2026

American Kestrel

12/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

22/22/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/22/2026

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 - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)?
Notable species at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) include California Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Allen's Hummingbird, American White Pelican, Turkey Vulture. The area supports lake, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)?
Birding at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)?
Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.