Clear Lake isn’t just a destination for fishing and boating, it’s also a home to an incredible variety of birds, wildlife and natural habitats.

From waterfowl and wading birds along the shoreline to hocks, eagles, songbirds and other wildlife in the surrounding wetlands, oak woodlands and open countryside. There is always something interesting to look for.

Bring your binoculars, camera and a little patience. Early mornings are quieter and areas around the lake can be especially rewarding for wildlife watching.

WHAT YOU MIGHT SEE!

Birds on the water

Clear Lake and it’s surrounding wetlands provide habitat for many water, loving birds, depending on the season and location you may see:

  • Western Grebes

  • Pied-billed Grebes

  • Great Blue Herons

  • Great Egrets

  • Black-crowned Night Herons

  • Double-crested Comorants

  • American Coots

  • Mallards

  • Canada Geese

  • Wood Ducks

  • Cinnamon Teal

Belted Kingfisher

Raptors & Birds of Prey

Keep your eyes on the sky as well as the tree tops. The Clear Lake area provides opportunities to see several impressive birds of prey.

  • Bald Eagles

  • Red-tailed Hawks

  • Red-shouldered Hawks

  • White-tailed Kites

  • Golden Eagles

Osprey

Other Wildlife around the Lake

Birds aren’t the only wildlife visitors may encounter. The wetlands, Oak Woodlands, creeks and surrounding countryside, provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, depending on where you explore you may see:

  • Deer

  • Foxes

  • Coyotes

  • Rabbits

  • Squirrels

A variety of Reptiles

Great places to look for wildlife

Anderson marsh State historic Park

Located on the south east corner of Clear Lake, Anderson marsh protects freshwater, marsh, creek and Woodland habitats and is an excellent place for nature walks, photography and wildlife viewing. The parks documented bird life include great blue Heron, great egret, black crown night heron, western grieves, mallards, Cormorant, kingfishers and numerous other species.

Clear Lake State Park

Clear Lake State Park, combines shoreline, wetlands, Woodland, and hiking areas. California state parks identifies wildlife viewing as one of the parks, popular activities and specifically notes. It’s importance for water fowl.

Wildlife from the water

One of the unique ways to experience, Clearlake is from a boat. Quietly cruising along the shoreline, exploring coves, and observing birds from the water, can give you a completely different perspective of the lakes wildlife. Keep your distance from nesting birds and wildlife, slow down around, sensitive areas and avoid disturbing animals. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but that is part of the adventure. You never know what you might see around the next bend.

Combine wildlife, watching with the rest of your Clearlake adventure if you’re looking for a way to experience Clearlake from the water, check out our boat and watercraft rentals.

View Our Rentals