Unique Birds

Over 300 species of birds live in or visit Lake County, and the Clear Lake Area has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. Highlighted below are several exceptional species to be found in Clear Lake State Park. A Seasonal Checklist of the Birds of Lake County is available for $2.50 in the Visitor Center’s Gift Shop at the Park.

Great Blue Heron (38-54" tall):

This dramatic bird, standing four feet tall and with a six-foot wingspan, is the largest and most widespread of all North American herons. It is distinctive with its bluish-gray coloring, white crown stripe, and elegant black plumes extending from behind the eye on to the back. A patient hunter, often waiting motionless for long periods, it stabs prey with a quick lunge of the bill. Although this species is primarily a fish eater, it will stalk fields and meadows for rodents. Small-sized rails and the young of other water birds are also targeted by this heron. They nest in large numbers placing their large platform nests of sticks high in trees, and Clear Lake is fortunate to be the home of several such colonies. Their courtship displays are elaborate and involve much posturing and bill clacking. The Great Blue is a long-lived bird with a life span up to 23 years, with 10-15 years more usual.

Double-crested Cormorant (28-35" tall):

This large, dark water bird with a long body and long neck, a striking emerald green eye, and yellow throat patch is the only cormorant to occur inland, and it can be found regularly on Clear Lake. It has a characteristic stance of holding its wings in a spread-wing posture that is thought to be an aid in drying wet feathers. It may be seen swimming low in the water, oftentimes with little more than its sinuous neck visible. They dive from the water surface and hunt their prey underwater. They are gregarious birds nesting in large colonies. Their bulky nests consist primarily of sticks but often contain such junk as fishnet, plastic debris, or twine. Double-crested cormorant populations are growing, and they are increasingly blamed for devastating fish hatcheries and declines in sport fish.

Western & Clark’s Grebes (25" long):

These are elegant black and white grebes with long necks and bills. Similar in appearance, they differ in bill color and the amount of white in their feathering. The Western’s bill is dull yellow and its black head cap surrounds the eye. The Clark’s bill is bright yellow, and in breeding season white, rather than black, feathers surround the eye. The Clark’s Grebe is also distinguished by more white being visible on its flanks when swimming in water. Grebes are known for their elaborate and energetic courtship displays, the most elaborate of which is the raising of their bodies out of the water and "dancing" in synchronization on the surface. Downy chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and are often seen on the back of a parent held closely beneath its wings. Whereas five species of grebes are to be found on Clear Lake, the Western and Clark’s Grebes are the most numerous and more readily seen. Other grebes to watch for are the Pied-billed and Eared Grebes, as well as the less common Horned Grebe

Osprey (21-23" long):

This striking large black and white raptor is a familiar sight in the environs of Clear Lake with several nests around its shore. They readily build their nests on manmade structures such as telephone poles, channel markers, or nest platforms designed especially for it as well as the more natural tree snags. Clear Lake State Park is home to two such nests ~ one on a platform and one in a snag. It is found on all continents except Antarctica. The Osprey is the only North American raptor that eats almost exclusively of fish, earning its former common name of Fish Hawk.

American White Pelican (50-65" long):

This large, white bird with black flight feathers and large bill and pouch is unmistakable in appearance and easily identified. Although appearing somewhat awkward on land, in flight it is the most graceful of creatures flying in v-formation or soaring in thermal flocks. Its wingspan of up to 9 ½ feet is wider than any other North American bird other than the California Condor. It does not dive as does the Brown Pelican but instead dips its head underwater to scoop up fish; oftentimes, fishing cooperatively with other pelicans to herd prey.