Tinemaha Reservoir

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tinemaha Reservoir is a productive birding destination in California, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard Bufflehead Common Merganser American Coot

Live Bird Data

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

142/28/2026

Mallard

22/28/2026

Bufflehead

32/28/2026

Common Merganser

22/28/2026

American Coot

102/28/2026

California Gull

32/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/28/2026

Eared Grebe

32/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

32/28/2026

Bald Eagle

22/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Northern Flicker

22/28/2026

American Kestrel

12/28/2026

Black Phoebe

12/28/2026

Black-billed Magpie

22/28/2026

Common Raven

22/28/2026

Horned Lark

12/28/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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.

Birding Guides

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

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tinemaha Reservoir for birding?▼

The best months to visit Tinemaha Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Tinemaha Reservoir?▼

Notable species at Tinemaha Reservoir include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Tinemaha Reservoir?▼

Birding at Tinemaha Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Tinemaha Reservoir?▼

Tinemaha Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.