More Info

Tinemaha Reservoir Birding

Overview

From Wikipedia

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

“Tinemaha Reservoir, Big Pine – One of Inyo County’s best locations to view waterfowl, shorebirds, white pelicans, and bald eagles (seasonally).

Tule elk graze west of the reservoir. Thousands of trout are planted here each year, plus largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.” - Inyo County Visitor

How do I get there?

“The access road to the Wildlife Overlook at Tinemaha goes off US 395 about 9 miles south of Big Pine. Most of the Reservoir can be scanned from the overlook. You can also walk out along the long earthen dam; park in the designated spot near the damkeeper's house. From the same area you can explore the riparian habitat along the Owens River below the dam.

Look for Tule Elk in the fields west of the Reservoir on both sides of US 395, especially in winter.” - Eastern Sierra Audubon Society

How long is the walk?

We will be borrowing scopes for this outing. The walk is less than a mile, so expect some standing around. Bring a comfy camp chair or crazy creek!

Gadwall - all bird photos by Susan Teefy

Tinemaha Reservoir from Caltopo.com

Snow geese

Rock wren

Greater yellowlegs

Great blue heron

Is it dog friendly?

Use discretion: if your dog is happy sitting around and not doing much, bring them! If they like to be on the move, this may not be the trip for them.

What birds will we see?

November will be fantastic for this reservoir. We can expect to see:

  • Gadwall

  • White Pelican

  • Snow Geese

  • Rock Wren

  • Greater Yellowlegs

  • Ring-billed Gull

  • Pied-billed Grebe

  • Raven

  • Red-tailed Hawk

  • Great Blue Heron

  • Eared Grebe

  • Great Egret

  • Northern Harrier

  • Bald Eagle

  • Redhead