Welcome to Yosemite Lakes! Nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, this stunning landscape is home to a variety of birds.
From the majestic bald eagle soaring through the skies to the colorful Steller’s jays darting through the trees, Yosemite Lakes is a bird watcher’s paradise.
Whether you are looking to spot rare species or just enjoy the peaceful chirping of songbirds, you will find plenty of species to observe.
From the common red-tailed hawk to the rare spotted owl, Yosemite Lakes is a great spot to observe a variety of birds in their natural habitat. With its diverse landscape and abundance of birds, Yosemite Lakes is the perfect place to enjoy bird-watching.
1. California Gull
The California gull is a species of gull that can be found along the Western coast of North America, from California to Alaska. It is a medium-sized gull, smaller on average than the herring gull but larger on average than the ring-billed gull.
This species of gull has a wide range of habitats, from coastal areas to inland breeding grounds. They are easily identifiable by their yellow bill, which has a black ring around it.
The California gull is a common sight in many parts of the United States, and can often be seen foraging near the water’s edge or flying in large flocks.
They are a key species in many ecosystems, playing an important role in controlling insect populations and providing food for other wildlife.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
2. Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay is a member of the crow family that is native to western North America and the mountains of Central America. It is closely related to the blue jay that is found in eastern North America, but it is the only crested jay that is found west of the Rocky Mountains.
This species of jay is easily identifiable by its blue and black plumage, its white chest, and its bright yellow crest. The Steller’s jay also has a short, stout bill and a long tail. It is a vocal species, with a loud, raucous call.
The bird is most often found in coniferous forests, where it feeds on a variety of food items including insects, small mammals, seeds, and nuts. It will also take advantage of bird feeders and gardens.
Steller’s jays are also highly intelligent, and they can be trained to carry out simple tasks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. stelleri |
3. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a species of dabbling duck that is widely distributed across parts of the world. It can be found in temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
This species of duck has also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. The Mallard is a highly adaptable species of duck, which is one of the reasons why it has been able to thrive in these various different regions.
It is well-known for its ability to survive in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to grasslands, and it can even adapt to urban environments.
Furthermore, the mallard is a popular game bird, which is another factor that has contributed to its success in so many parts of the world. In terms of its physical characteristics, the mallard is a medium-sized duck with a grey-brown body, green head, and orange bill.
It has a wingspan of about 90 cm and can weigh up to 1.5 kg.
While the male mallard is more colorful and has a distinctive call, the female is more plain and has a quieter voice. Overall, the mallard is a highly successful duck species that has managed to spread to many parts of the world and establish itself in these regions.
It is a resilient species that is able to survive in a range of different environments, and its popularity as a game bird has also helped it to thrive in many places.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
4. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird that can be found in many parts of the world. It belongs to the family Ardeidae, which is a family of wading birds.
This bird is most commonly spotted near the shores of open water and in wetlands, including North and Central America, northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.The great blue heron is a large bird with a wingspan of up to six feet.
Its body is grayish blue and its head and neck are white. It has long thin legs and a long pointed bill, which it uses to catch its prey.
Its diet consists mostly of small fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects. The great blue heron is a solitary bird, usually seen standing still in shallow water or wading slowly along the shore. It nests in large colonies and breeds in the spring and summer.
It uses its long neck to reach into shallow water to feed and it is capable of flying great distances. The great blue heron is an important part of many ecosystems and is an indicator species of healthy wetlands.
It is also a symbol of strength and grace, and it has been featured in artwork and literature for centuries. It is a truly beautiful bird that deserves our admiration and respect.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
5. Osprey
The osprey is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey that has a wide range of habitats all over the world. It is a large raptor, measuring up to 60 cm in length and 180 cm across the wings. Its feathers are generally brown on the upperparts and greyish on the head and underparts.
This bird of prey is also known as the sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. The Osprey is an impressive predator, with sharp eyesight and powerful talons to catch its prey. It primarily feeds on fish, which it hunts in shallow waters.
It can hover over the water and then plunge its sharp talons into the water to grasp its prey. It is also capable of carrying large prey items, such as salmon, back to its nest.
The Osprey is also an important bird to many cultures, as it is often seen as a sign of luck and prosperity. It is also a symbol of strength and freedom, as it is able to soar through the air with grace and power.
Overall, the osprey is an incredible bird of prey with an impressive range. It is an important symbol to many cultures, and it is a formidable predator that can be seen hunting around the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
6. Pied-billed Grebe
The Pied-billed Grebe is a unique species of bird in the Grebe family. It is the only surviving member of its genus, Podilymbus, after the extinction of the Atitlán grebe. The Pied-billed Grebe is found in freshwater ponds across North and South America.
This small bird has a short, thick bill that is yellow-green in color and marked with a dark band at the tip. Its body is brown and white, with a black cap on its head. It has strong legs and webbed feet that help it swim and dive in the water.
The Pied-billed Grebe is an agile swimmer and can dive up to five meters deep in search of fish, insects, and other food. In addition, the grebe is a skilled flyer, capable of reaching heights of up to 3,000 feet.
The Pied-billed Grebe is a valuable member of its ecosystem, helping to keep the pond clean by eating aquatic insects and other creatures. It is also an important part of the food chain, providing sustenance to larger predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podilymbus |
| Species | P. podiceps |
7. Common Loon
The common loon, also known as the great northern diver, is a large aquatic bird from the loon family. During the breeding season, the adult loon has a distinctive plumage of a broad black head and neck.
The feathers on its back and wings are a mix of greenish, purplish, and black hues, with a white underbelly and a white patch near the tail. Its eyes are dark and it has a long, pointed beak.
Its legs are short and stout, and its webbed feet help it move easily through the water. The loon’s wings are long and pointed, allowing it to soar gracefully through the air. The common loon is a strong swimmer and can dive as deep as 200 feet in search of food.
It primarily feeds on fish, but it also eats crustaceans, amphibians, and insects. It also occasionally feeds on aquatic plants. When it is not diving for food, the loon can be seen floating on the surface of the water, resting and preening its feathers.
The loon is a migratory bird, and it spends the summer months in North America’s boreal forests and wetlands. The loon’s call is distinctive and haunting, and it is one of the most recognizable sounds of the boreal forests.
The common loon is a beloved bird and is an important part of the boreal ecosystem. It plays an essential role in the food chain, and its presence contributes to the health of its habitat.
Unfortunately, the loon is vulnerable to environmental hazards such as pollution, and its population is decreasing in many areas. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure that the loon remains a part of our natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. immer |
8. Brown Creeper
Source: nationalgeographic.com
The brown creeper is a small songbird native to North America. It belongs to the Certhiidae family, which includes treecreepers from other parts of the world. This species of bird is often referred to as the American treecreeper due to its unique characteristics.
It has a slim body with a striped brown and white pattern along its upper parts. Its face is pale brown with a white eyestripe, and it has a long, slender bill.
The tail is not very long, but it has a wide, rounded tip. The brown creeper is a solitary bird that prefers to live in woodlands and forests. It feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates that it finds on the bark of trees.
It is an agile climber and uses its long bill to probe crevices and bark for food. It also uses its tail as a prop against the tree trunk to help it climb higher up. The brown creeper’s habitat is declining due to deforestation and other human activities.
It is currently listed as a species of special concern by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which means it is vulnerable to becoming endangered. Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Certhiidae |
| Genus | Certhia |
| Species | C. americana |
9. Ring-billed Gull
The ring-billed gull is a species of seabird that belongs to the genus Larus. This genus is derived from Latin, and it is believed to refer to various types of large seabirds. The species name Delawarensis refers to the Delaware River, which is located in the United States.
This species is considered to be a medium-sized gull, with a wingspan of between 18-23 inches. They have a characteristic black ring around their beaks, which gives them their name.
The ring-billed gull is found in large numbers along the coasts of North America, and they also inhabit inland areas such as lakes and rivers. They are omnivores, meaning they feed on a wide variety of foods, such as fish, insects, crustaceans, and plant material.
They often forage in flocks, and they are considered to be very social birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. delawarensis |
10. Purple Finch
The Purple Finch is a small passerine bird native to North America. It is a member of the finch family Fringillidae and is known for its vibrant purple plumage. The bird is known to breed in coniferous and deciduous forests, preferring cooler climates.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, buds, and insects. The Purple Finch is a medium-sized bird, measuring around five and a half inches in length and weighing around one ounce. It has a stout bill and short, rather upright tail.
Males have a bright rose-pink head and breasts, while females are more dull brownish-purple. This species is easily distinguished from other finches by its loud, ringing song. Additionally, its call is a rapid series of chips.
The Purple Finch is a migratory bird, with most birds wintering in the southern United States and northern Mexico. During the breeding season, they are found in the northern United States and southern Canada. They are known to form large flocks in the winter months.
The Purple Finch is an important species to birders, as it is one of the few finch species that is easily identifiable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. purpureus |
11. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a large bird, typically found near water, that is native to North America. It is easily recognizable due to its bright blue and white plumage and its distinctive “belted” appearance.
Belted kingfishers are part of the Alcedinidae family, which includes all kingfishers found throughout the world. However, recent research suggests that this family should be divided into three separate subfamilies.
The three subfamilies proposed are the Alcedininae, the Cerylinae, and the Halcyoninae. The Alcedininae subfamily includes the belted kingfisher, as well as other North American kingfishers.
The Cerylinae subfamily includes kingfishers found in the Old World, such as the common kingfisher. The Halcyoninae subfamily includes some of the most stunning kingfishers found in the tropics, such as the blue-eared kingfisher.
This recent research shows that there is a great deal of diversity among the different kingfisher species and that the Alcedinidae family should be divided into three distinct subfamilies in order to better represent this diversity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
12. American White Pelican
The American white pelican is an impressive bird, easily identifiable by its large size and distinctive white plumage. It is a member of the order Pelecaniformes, a group of aquatic birds that includes several species of pelicans, cormorants, and gannets.
This species is native to interior North America, where it breeds in the summer months. During the winter months, the birds migrate south and to the coasts, sometimes as far as Costa Rica.
This is an impressive feat of endurance, as the birds must travel hundreds of miles in search of warmer climates and more abundant food sources.
The American white pelican is a highly adaptable species, capable of thriving in a variety of habitats, from large open bodies of fresh water to coastal areas. Its diet consists mainly of fish, which it catches by scooping up with its large bill.
During the breeding season, the pelicans gather in large colonies, often nesting in large groups on islands or along the shorelines of large lakes and rivers. The American white pelican is a majestic sight, and its presence in an area is often met with admiration and respect.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. erythrorhynchos |
13. Brewer’s Blackbird
Brewer’s blackbird is a type of bird native to the New World. It is a medium-sized blackbird, and its name is derived from the ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer. Brewer was a noted scientist and explorer from the 19th century, and he was the first to document the species in 1843.
The bird can be found in open areas and grasslands and is usually seen in small flocks. It has a black head and back, and a brownish-gray chest and belly. The Brewer’s blackbird is an omnivore and feeds on insects, small reptiles, and grains.
They are known to nest in colonies, and both parents take part in caring for the chicks. The Brewer’s blackbird is a common bird and can be found throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. cyanocephalus |
14. Wood Duck
The wood duck, also known as the Carolina duck, is an easily recognizable species of perching duck that is native to North America. It is a medium-sized duck, typically measuring between 19 and 20 inches in length and is well-known for its striking, colorful plumage.
The male, or drake, wood duck is especially distinctive, boasting a vibrant mixture of colors that include white, black, green, chestnut, and blue. This makes it one of the most colorful waterfowl in North America and helps it stand out from other species of duck.
The wood duck is also widely distributed throughout the continent, being found in large numbers throughout the United States and Canada. It is a popular game bird, and its population is estimated to be between 8 to 10 million individuals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aix |
| Species | A. sponsa |
15. Double-crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a common species of water bird found in the cormorant family. It is found near rivers, lakes, and other coastal areas, and is native to a large area of North America.
Its range extends from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, down to Florida and Mexico. This species has adapted to many habitats and is found in a variety of wetlands, including estuaries, rivers, ponds, and salt marshes.
It is also commonly seen in coastal areas, both in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.The double-crested cormorant is a coastal and inland waterbird and is most often seen near the shoreline. It has adapted to be able to survive in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
It feeds on a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and sunfish, as well as aquatic invertebrates.
It is an excellent swimmer and can dive underwater to depths of up to 30 feet in order to catch its prey. The double-crested cormorant is an attractive bird, with a black body and head, and yellow-orange facial skin.
It has a stout, hooked bill and a distinctive crest on its head, which gives it its name.
It is also unique in that it has dark-colored eyes, unlike most other waterbirds, which generally have yellow eyes. The double-crested cormorant is a social bird, forming large colonies with other cormorants and other waterbird species.
They breed in colonies, nesting in trees, shrubs, or on the ground. These colonies can be quite noisy, as the birds communicate with each other via loud calls and shrieks.
Cormorants are considered to be non-migratory birds, but some populations may undertake seasonal migrations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
16. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of bird that is part of the family Trochilidae. It is native to coastal regions of North America, specifically the northern Baja California and Southern California regions.
The species was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, who was an avid bird watcher. In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds were only found in these two areas. They were not found anywhere else in North America, so they were considered to be a unique species.
The population of Anna’s hummingbirds was small, and they were rarely spotted. They were known to breed in the coastal regions of northern Baja California and Southern California. Over the years, the population of Anna’s hummingbirds has increased significantly.
They have expanded their range and are now found in a variety of habitats including deserts, mountains, and urban areas. They are also found further north in Oregon and Washington and as far south as Guatemala.
Anna’s hummingbirds are easily identified by their small size, bright emerald green and bronze feathers, and their distinctive red throats. They are known for their acrobatic flight, which they use to feed on nectar from flowers. They also feed on small insects and spiders.
Overall, Anna’s hummingbirds are a unique species of bird that are native to North America. They are easily identifiable due to their bright feathers and distinctive red throats. They can be found in a variety of habitats and are known for their acrobatic flight.
Their population has increased significantly over the years, and they have expanded their range to other parts of the continent.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
17. American Goldfinch
Source: kids.nationalgeographic.com
The American goldfinch is a small bird that is part of the finch family. It is a migratory species, meaning it migrates from one area to another. During the breeding season, it can be found ranging from mid-Alberta all the way to North Carolina.
During the winter months, it can be found just south of the Canada–United States border and even as far south as Mexico. This wide range of habitat allows the American goldfinch to find the resources it needs to survive and thrive.
It is a common sight in both urban and rural environments across North America. The American goldfinch is a brightly colored bird, with males having yellow bodies and wings and blackheads. Females have a similar coloring but are slightly duller.
The diet of the American goldfinch includes mostly seeds, flowers, and insects. They play an important role in the ecosystem as they help to regulate insect populations and spread seeds from one area to another.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
Conclusion
Yosemite Lakes is home to a wide variety of birds, from the majestic bald eagle to the more common yellow-rumped warbler. Birding in the area is a great way to experience the beauty of the park and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
The variety of birds in Yosemite Lakes is sure to please any bird watcher, and will no doubt provide an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to visit.