Stafford Lake County Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Stafford Lake County Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/6/2026Bolinas Lagoon1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/5/2026Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve1 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

3/5/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

3/5/2026Pt. Reyes--Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond)2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Penry Park1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/4/2026Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2003/4/2026

Mallard

43/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/4/2026

Bufflehead

153/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/4/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/4/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

303/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/4/2026

American White Pelican

43/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

103/4/2026

White-tailed Kite

23/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

33/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/4/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Black Phoebe

163/4/2026

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 Stafford Lake County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Stafford Lake County Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Stafford Lake County Park?
Notable species at Stafford Lake County Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stafford Lake County Park?
Birding at Stafford Lake County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Stafford Lake County Park?
Stafford Lake County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.