Lake Morena

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Morena is a productive birding destination in California, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

3/5/2026Wildwood Glen Lane1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/2/202617932 Lyons Valley Road, Jamul, California1 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

2/28/2026Laguna Mtns.--Garnet Peak4 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

2/26/202633841 Campo Road, Campo, California, US (32.643, -116.418)2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/22/2026Meadow Trailer Loop, Mount Laguna US-CA 32.88896, -116.450521 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

72/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

202/28/2026

Gadwall

62/28/2026

American Wigeon

32/28/2026

Mallard

302/28/2026

Ruddy Duck

62/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/28/2026

Greater Roadrunner

12/28/2026

American Coot

202/28/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

12/28/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

82/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

82/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

22/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

42/28/2026

Northern Flicker

12/28/2026

Steller's Jay

12/28/2026

American Crow

202/28/2026

Common Raven

102/28/2026

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 Morena for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Morena for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Morena?
Notable species at Lake Morena include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Morena?
Birding at Lake Morena is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Morena?
Lake Morena offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.