Lake Merritt

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Merritt is a productive birding destination in California, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Common Goldeneye, and Rock Pigeon 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

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/6/2026Mt. Davidson1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Sunset District - Abraham Lincoln High School1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/6/2026Sunset District - Abraham Lincoln High School1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/6/2026Sunset Blvd. at Quintara St. intersection and vicinity1 observed

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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/6/2026Harborview Park and Freshwater Marsh - CBA 100371 observed

Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid)

Mareca penelope x americana

3/6/2026Warm Water Cove Park1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/6/2026Warm Water Cove Park1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/6/2026Golden Gate Park--Elk Glen Lake1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/6/2026Las Trampas Regional Wilderness2 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/6/2026Pier 94--salt marsh restoration1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

3/6/2026Candlestick Pt. State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

13/6/2026

Mallard

203/6/2026

Greater Scaup

503/6/2026

Bufflehead

203/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

103/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

203/6/2026

American Coot

303/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

103/6/2026

Western Gull

103/6/2026

California Gull

103/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

103/6/2026

Horned Grebe

53/6/2026

Eared Grebe

203/6/2026

Graylag Goose

33/6/2026

Canada Goose

83/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

303/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

213/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/6/2026

Clark's Grebe

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

603/6/2026

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