More Info

Diaz Lake Birding

Overview

From Inyo County Parks and Rec

This birding hotspot boasts nearly 250 bird species seen over the years!

Diaz Lake Recreation Area is an 80-acre park around Diaz Lake nestled between the Owens River Valley and the Eastern Sierra Nevada range. It is located about 3 miles south of the town of Lone Pine.

This park has a day use area with covered picnic tables - bring snacks and water!

How do I get there?

From the Alabama Hills Bakery & Cafe, this park is a 5 minute drive south on 395. Easy!

How long is the walk?

This path around the lake is a little over two miles. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a hat.

Bring sunscreen! And reach out if you need binoculars.

From www.outdoorproject.com

Ring-necked duck - all bird photos by Susan Teefy

California quail

Bufflehead

Red-shouldered hawk

Is it dog friendly?

No. Diaz Lake can get blue green algal blooms, so please leave dogs at home! This algae can be extremely harmful to them.

What birds will we see?

October will be gorgeous for this lake. We can expect to see:

  • Ring-necked Duck

  • Bufflehead

  • California Quail

  • Pied-billed Grebe

  • Western Grebe

  • Double-crested Cormorant

  • Red-shouldered Hawk

  • Northern Flicker

  • Say's Phoebe

  • Loggerhead Shrike

  • Raven

  • Marsh Wren

  • Western Meadowlark

  • Red-winged Blackbird

  • Great-tailed Grackle

  • Yellow-rumped Warbler

  • Turkey Vulture

  • Ruddy Duck

  • Mourning Dove

  • Red-tailed Hawk

  • Eared Grebe

  • Great Blue Heron

  • American Kestrel

  • Ruby-crowned Kinglet

  • Orange-crowned Warbler

  • Gadwall

  • American White Pelican