Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

2/28/2026Lower Klamath NWR (CA side)1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/28/2026Tule Lake NWR--Auto Tour and Sump 1B (SIS Co.)2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/28/2026Tule Lake NWR--Auto Tour and Sump 1B (SIS Co.)4 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

2/28/2026Tule Lake NWR--Auto Tour and Sump 1B (SIS Co.)5 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/28/2026Tule Lake NWR--Auto Tour and Sump 1B (SIS Co.)2 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

2/26/2026Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, Klamath Falls US-OR 42.01813, -121.778041 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

2/23/2026Township Rd.3 observed

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 Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.