Even if you’re not an avid birder, you can’t help but notice the birds of Lake Tahoe. Our vast, open spaces are the perfect backdrop for bird spotting as are the wilderness areas and old-growth forests. But even in the town areas, you can easily pick out common birds of Lake Tahoe such as the Mountain Chickadee, American Robin, the California Gull and the Canada Goose. Looking high up, you can see the broad wings of Red-Tailed Hawks. When you’re in the more wooded areas, keep an eye out for the Hairy Woodpecker and tune your ears for the noisy Steller’s Jay, which also sports gorgeous blue tones in its plumage. Another beautifully colored bird of Lake Tahoe is the male Western Tanager. And, if you’re a city dweller who might not have the opportunity to experience many majestic flyers, keep your eyes open for Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles, both of which are present in the Lake Tahoe are in winter.
Featured for Your Visit
Lake Tahoe Birding
12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site of the state park, during record-breaking snowfall. Now visitors can go to Donner Memorial State Park and check out the new $6.6 million visitor center/museum that chronicles the Donner Party and the human and natural history of the region. During summer season the park has 142 spaces for car, RV and tent camping. There is also a concessionaire renting water-sport toys from kayaks and SUPs to two-seater personal watercraft. Being a state park in the Sierra, everything is surrounded by beautiful pines and plenty of hiking and biking in adjacent Cold Stream Canyon and swimming in the kid-friendly canal and China Cove. Depending on snowfall, a cross-country ski trail is groomed through the park, which is also a great place for snowshoeing. An entrance fee is charged.
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site...read more
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Taylor Creek Visitor Center is a wonderful place to enjoy the natural environment of Lake Tahoe. A learning center that focuses on the local flora and fauna, there are multiple self-guided information trails that highlight different plants, birds and wildlife that frequent the area. Additionally, there is a Stream Profile Chamber a quarter-mile walk down their Rainbow Trail; it gives an aquarium view into the...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Truckee River Regional Park is Truckee's premier opportunity to get to know Mother Nature in a park-like setting. A giant expanse that encompasses the Truckee River and the beautiful scrub land that surrounds her, the park is accentuated by many amenities such as an amphitheater that hosts many fabulous summer shows, an ice rink in the winter and the best disc golf course you are...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
The Van Sickle Bi-State Park is all about bringing visitors even closer to Tahoe nature. As the only park in the country with an entrance that straddles a state line, the site is close enough to the bright lights of the famous South Tahoe casinos that tourists can walk to the park from the resorts. The trail system in the park caters to hikers, mountain...read more
