Susanville Effluent Ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Susanville Effluent Ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

3/5/2026Susanville Effluent Ponds1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/3/2026Gold Run Yard List1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/3/2026Gold Run Yard List1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

2/27/2026Leavitt Lake Park4 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored/cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

2/24/2026Yard List1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided)

Junco hyemalis

2/24/2026Yard List1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/6/2026

Wood Duck

23/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

43/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

883/6/2026

Gadwall

73/6/2026

Mallard

23/6/2026

Northern Pintail

13/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

43/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

123/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

133/6/2026

Barrow's Goldeneye

53/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

53/6/2026

California Quail

23/6/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

53/6/2026

American Coot

93/6/2026

Killdeer

43/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

163/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Susanville Effluent Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Susanville Effluent Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Susanville Effluent Ponds?
Notable species at Susanville Effluent Ponds include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Susanville Effluent Ponds?
Birding at Susanville Effluent Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Susanville Effluent Ponds?
Susanville Effluent Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.