The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird
Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds is a productive birding destination in California, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Wood Duck, Surf Scoter, and Red-breasted Merganser among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Wood DuckSurf ScoterRed-breasted MerganserAmerican CootBlack Oystercatcher

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/6/2026Rose Memorial Cemetery/Pudding Cr Overlook1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Rose Memorial Cemetery/Pudding Cr Overlook1 observed

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus

3/1/2026Nearshore pelagic - (MEN Co.)1 observed

Scripps's Murrelet

Synthliboramphus scrippsi

3/1/2026Nearshore pelagic - (MEN Co.)1 observed

Short-tailed Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

3/1/2026Leg 2: 39.45746, -123.867221 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Visitor Center

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds for birding?▼
The best months to visit MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds?▼
Notable species at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds include Wood Duck, Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, American Coot, Black Oystercatcher. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds?▼
Birding at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds?▼
MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.