Bird Watching at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lying in the quiet forests of Northern California, north of the Sierra Nevada and west of a high desert plateau, is Lassen Volcanic National Park. As the name implies, the park’s primary attraction is Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world. It is also the southernmost volcano of the volcanic Cascade Range. The park is one of the few locations in the world where all four types of volcanoes are found: plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and stratovolcano. Besides the obvious topography, the park is home to meadows dotted with wildflowers, clear mountains and lakes, and several volcanoes. The landscape is adorned with hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots that constantly evolve the shape of the land, which also acts as evidence of Lassen’s fiery volcanic past.

Major Attractions at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park features magnificent hydrothermal attractions offering visitors views of plopping mud pots, bubbling pools, and roaring steam vents. Manzanita Lake is found in the park’s center, where the grounds are lined with cabins, open for camping, and even a museum. Hiking around the lake will give you a clear view of the 10,457-foot Lassen Peak. The lake also offers watersports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Finally, if you want to get up and close with the largest hydrothermal area, travel along the Bumpass Hell Trail, which will show you Brokeoff Volcano, boiling mud pots, and vivid turquoise pools. Other notable attractions include Sulphur Works, Ridge Lakes Trail, Drakesbad Guest Ranch, and Devil’s Kitchen Trail.

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Bird Watching at Lassen Volcanic National Park

The best time to observe the different bird varieties Lassen Volcanic National Park offers is spring and fall. Bird species from all three geographical regions can be sighted inside the park boundaries. The grounds are home to over 216 species of birds, of which 96 varieties have been known to breed in the park’s habitat. The majority of the species that are seen soaring within the boundaries are neotropical migrants. These birds breed and forage inside the park during the summer months, after which they winter in Central and South America. In addition, sightings of land birds like tree-dwelling birds, perching birds or songbirds, raptors, and ground-feeding birds are common in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

To observe good bird varieties that are summer residents and migratory birds, head towards the lower elevated sites like Butte Lake or Manzanita Lake. The major breeding spot for Black-backed Woodpecker, Buffleheads, and Red-breasted Sapsuckers are located near Reflection Lake. Summit Lake Campground is the best place to scout for birdwatchers interested in William Sapsucker, while Calliope Hummingbirds and Blue Grouse can be seen in the Bumpass Hell parking lot.

10 Birds to See at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Calliope Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbirds are small green birds with a white chest and a beautiful purple throat. They live in the northwestern mountains of North America. They are common and are not at risk of becoming endangered. These Hummingbirds make their homes in mountain canyons and forests. Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest bird in North America. They rely on nectar and small flying insects for food. They lay 2 small white eggs and sometimes build their nests in the bottom of a pinecone! Calliope Hummingbirds migrate throughout the Rocky Mountain range.

Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbirds are an orange color almost like a penny. They also have red throats and long straight bills. Their population has declined, but they are still common and widespread. They make their homes in mountain meadows and forests in the western part of North America. Rufous Hummingbirds like to feed on nectar and insects. They will visit hummingbird feeders in backyards. They are very protective and will chase off other birds or animals. Rufous Hummingbirds lay about 2 eggs and make their nests very camouflaged up in trees. They migrate along the western part of North America sometimes reaching parts of Alaska and down to South America.

Great Gray Owl

Great Gray Owls are covered in gray feathers with a white “bow tie” across their neck. They live in the north, mainly in Canada. Their population is stable, although they have seen some declines in the south. They make their homes in dense forests and in meadows. Great Gray Owls are powerful Owls that can be hard to spot. They like to feed on small animals, like mice and gophers. These Owls lay 2 to 5 eggs and likes to reuse the same nest for many years. They do not have a migratory pattern; however, they sometimes will move south in the winter.

Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpeckers have a sleek black body with a white and red head. They live near oak trees in the southwest U.S. Their population is widespread and common in their range. They make their homes in oak woods and groves. These woodpeckers spend a lot of time gathering and storing acorns in holes they drill into trees. Acorn Woodpeckers make a loud, parrot-like noise. They eat a lot of acorns and different insects in particular, they like ants. Acorn Woodpeckers lay 3 to 7 eggs in the cavity of a dead tree. They are permanent residents in their range, but have been seen as far south as Colombia.

Black-headed Grosbeak

Black-headed Grosbeaks have an orange-red body with a black head and black and white wings. They live throughout the western U.S. Black-headed Grosbeaks are common birds and not at risk of being endangered. They live in deciduous forests. They have a large bill used to crack open sunflower seeds. These birds also eat insects and berries. They lay 3 to 4 eggs and build their nests in trees or shrubs. Black-headed Grosbeaks migrate in late spring and then again in early fall.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are blue-gray with a white-edged tail. They live throughout North America. Their population is stable and increasing. They make their homes in oaks, pines, and thickets. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are known by their soft call and have the nickname “Little Mockingbird”. They mostly feed on insects and sometimes spiders. They lay 4 to 5 eggs in nests made from plants, bark, grass, feathers, and animal hair. Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers migrate south by day.

California Quail

California Quails are large and round with a gray body and a head plume. The plume looks like one big feather, but is actually 6 feathers overlapping. You can find this Quail in California as well as the rest of the northwest U.S. As building in coastal areas has increased, the population of California Quail has declined. California Quail make their homes along woodland edges, in parks, and farms. They can be found roaming the ground looking for seeds and insects to eat. They lay 10 to 16 eggs and build their nests on the ground. These Quails do not migrate.

Purple Finch

Purple Finches are a purple-red color with light brown wings. They also have a large beak that they use to crack open seeds. Purple Finches live in eastern North America, with some on the Pacific Coast as well. There has been a decrease in Purple Finches in the northeast area, but the population overall is stable. They make their homes in woods or groves and in the suburbs. Purple Finches make a warbling sound but can often mimic other birds like Barn Swallows or Brown-headed Cowbirds. Purple Finches lay 4 to 5 eggs in a cup-shaped nest, usually 20 feet high in a tree. These finches are migratory birds, migrating in flocks by day.

Western Kingbird

Western Kingbirds are gray with yellow plumage. They live across western North America. Their population is stable with some recent increases. Their habitat is on farms, near roadsides, and in other semi-open areas. They enjoy catching flying insects while perched on a tree or utility line. They also eat fruits. Western Kingbirds can be aggressive, chasing away other birds that come near. They lay 3 to 5 eggs in cup-shaped nests sometimes in empty sheds, on utility poles, and under building ledges. Western Kingbirds migrate in small flocks.

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatches are white, but also have black and gray markings. They live all throughout North America. Their population is steady with a slight increase. They make their homes near forests, groves, and shade trees. These nuthatches are active and enjoy eating insects and large seeds. White-breasted Nuthatches are small birds with loud voices. They lay 5 to 9 eggs. White-breasted Nuthatches protect their nests to keep predators away. They are not migratory birds; however, they have been seen moving south from the north.

Final Thoughts

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a marvelous ecological landscape that provides a home to nearly 100 breeding birds. In addition, the park is a widespread breeding and nesting spot for neotropical migrants. The common bird population comprises Steller’s Jay, Mountain Chickadee, and Clark’s Nutcracker, among several others. Head over to the volcanic park to observe the fascinating landscape, fantastic views, and an array of birds and wildlife.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Lassen Volcanic National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.