Lake Merced

California · Southwest

EasyOfficial Site View on eBird

Habitat

LakeUrban ParkCoastal

Best Seasons

WinterSpring

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

Lake Merced is a 614-acre freshwater lake complex in southwestern San Francisco, surrounded by parkland, golf courses, and the Fort Funston coastal bluffs. The lake's open water, tule marsh edges, and surrounding Monterey cypress and eucalyptus groves provide year-round birding within the city limits.

The lake supports breeding Pied-billed Grebes, American Coots, and several duck species, while the surrounding trees attract migrant songbirds in spring and fall. Winter brings diving ducks — Canvasback, Redhead, and Ring-necked Ducks are regular — along with occasional rarities. The adjacent Fort Funston coastal bluffs add Bank Swallows (which nest in the cliffs) and seabird viewing. Over 200 species have been recorded in the Lake Merced complex.

Location

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Notable Species

Bank Swallow Canvasback Pied-billed Grebe Great Blue Heron Red-tailed Hawk Anna's Hummingbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

3/5/2026my yard1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026Trinidad--Trinidad Museum area1 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/5/2026814–818 Pine Hills Rd, Julian US-CA 33.07556, -116.617621 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026La Palma Central Park1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail1 observed

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

3/5/2026Sugarloaf Mountain (Riverside)1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/4/2026Pine tree at dorms1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Penry Park1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/4/2026Padaro Lane1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

3/4/2026Arcata Bottoms--Jackson Ranch Rd.1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/4/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026My Yard1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/4/2026Picket nwr - Alpaugh SE1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026Famosa Slough1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026Famosa Slough1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026Famosa Slough1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Harborview Park, San Mateo US-CA 37.58068, -122.314141 observed

Birding Tips

1
The north lake bridge and overlook provide the best waterfowl scanning vantage points
2
Walk to adjacent Fort Funston for Bank Swallow colonies in the coastal bluffs (spring and summer)
3
The eucalyptus groves on the east side attract migrant warblers and wintering kinglets

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Fort Funston
San Francisco Zoo
Ocean Beach

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Birding Guides

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

10 min read

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

The Beginner's Guide to Birding

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Merced for birding?▼

The best months to visit Lake Merced for birding are November-May. The best seasons are Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Lake Merced?▼

Notable species at Lake Merced include Bank Swallow, Canvasback, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports lake, urban park, coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Lake Merced?▼

Birding at Lake Merced is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

Is there an entrance fee at Lake Merced?▼

There is no entrance fee at Lake Merced. Hours: Open 24 hours.

What amenities are available at Lake Merced?▼

Lake Merced offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.