Silver Lake Reservoir

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Silver Lake Reservoir is a productive birding destination in California, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Eared Grebe, Common Raven, and Bewick's Wren 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 Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026El Cariso Golf Course, Los Angeles US-CA 34.31373, -118.410262 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Doris Japanese Garden2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Athens Park1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

3/5/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eared Grebe

3/4/2026

Common Raven

13/4/2026

Bewick's Wren

3/4/2026

Western Bluebird

23/4/2026

House Finch

3/4/2026

Canada Goose

23/2/2026

American Wigeon

113/2/2026

Mallard

13/2/2026

Lesser Scaup

93/2/2026

Bufflehead

93/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

2203/2/2026

Mourning Dove

53/2/2026

White-throated Swift

33/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/2/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/2/2026

American Coot

83/2/2026

California Gull

1603/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/2/2026

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 Silver Lake Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Silver Lake Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Silver Lake Reservoir?
Notable species at Silver Lake Reservoir include Eared Grebe, Common Raven, Bewick's Wren, Western Bluebird, House Finch. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Silver Lake Reservoir?
Birding at Silver Lake Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Silver Lake Reservoir?
Silver Lake Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.