Lake Shastina

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Shastina is a productive birding destination in California, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Ring-necked Duck among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

3/2/20261914 County Highway A12, Montague, California, US (41.648, -122.499)6 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

2/28/2026Cedar Lake1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

2/28/2026Castle Lake Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

403/2/2026

American Wigeon

63/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/2/2026

Common Merganser

1503/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

503/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/2/2026

American Coot

303/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1003/2/2026

California Gull

13/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

53/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/2/2026

American White Pelican

13/2/2026

Bald Eagle

23/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Northern Flicker

23/2/2026

Steller's Jay

23/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

33/2/2026

Common Raven

23/2/2026

Mountain Chickadee

13/2/2026

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 Shastina for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Shastina for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Shastina?
Notable species at Lake Shastina include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Shastina?
Birding at Lake Shastina is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Shastina?
Lake Shastina offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.