Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) is a productive birding destination in California, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Blue Heron Drive (Restricted access)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/4/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Sooty x Red)

Passerella iliaca

3/3/2026Damon-Garcia Sports Field1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

3/1/2026Bishop St1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/1/2026Pismo SB--Oceano Campground1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

2/28/2026Laguna Lake1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

2/28/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

2/27/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

2/25/2026Jack O'Connell Park1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

2/22/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

63/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

23/5/2026

Mallard

63/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

43/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

353/5/2026

American Coot

203/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

53/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

43/5/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

53/5/2026

Marsh Wren

33/5/2026

Hermit Thrush

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/5/2026

Bufflehead

13/2/2026

Mourning Dove

53/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/2/2026

Virginia Rail

13/2/2026

Sora

23/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) for birding?
The best months to visit Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)?
Notable species at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)?
Birding at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean)?
Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.