Calaveras Lake

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Calaveras Lake is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 273 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, and Rock Pigeon among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/3/20262597 County Road 122, Floresville US-TX 29.15682, -98.283271 observed

Ringed Kingfisher

Megaceryle torquata

3/2/2026Crescent Bend Nature Park (Bexar Co.)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/1/2026San Antonio KOA Holiday (Salado Creek Greenway)1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

2/28/2026San Antonio Riverwalk area1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

2/28/2026Converse City Park1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

2/28/2026Pike Road, San Antonio, Texas, 782091 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

2/28/2026Braunig Lake (HOTE 101)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

2/28/2026Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (HOTE 103)1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

2/27/2026Espada Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

2/27/2026Brackenridge Park (Avenue A & River Rd.)1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

2/26/2026Robert L.B. Tobin Park, San Antonio US-TX 29.50571, -98.417431 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

2/26/2026Landfill1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

2/22/2026Live Oak City Park1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

2/22/2026Calaveras Lake (HOTE 100)2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/22/2026Woodlawn Lake (HOTE 093)1 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

2/22/2026Bexar Co.--Hardy/Mathis Rd. (E. of I-37)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Duck

92/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

12/22/2026

Mourning Dove

72/22/2026

American Coot

602/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

252/22/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

302/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

502/22/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

102/22/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

42/22/2026

Little Blue Heron

22/22/2026

Snowy Egret

52/22/2026

Green Heron

22/22/2026

Great Egret

52/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/22/2026

Black Vulture

652/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

22/22/2026

Osprey

12/22/2026

Eastern Phoebe

22/22/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

12/22/2026

Carolina Wren

12/22/2026

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

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Calaveras Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Calaveras Lake for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Calaveras Lake?
Notable species at Calaveras Lake include Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Calaveras Lake?
Birding at Calaveras Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Calaveras Lake?
Calaveras Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.