How to Have a Kayak Birdwatching Adventure on Clear Lake

Where to Go

From the launching ramp at Clear Lake Campground turn right and continue on Cache creek with your back to the highway.

Our itinerary takes you into a marsh, past a blue heron rookery, and out into the lake where a stand of tules hosts a clamorous array of red-winged, tri-colored and yellow-headed blackbirds. Amongst the cottonwoods, valley oaks, California
buckeye, California bay, and native California black walnut that line the creek you'll see plenty of birds, and in late April and into May you'll likely encounter large carp mating noisily in the shadows and you might come upon turtles sunning themselves on low branches and rocks. Optionally, you can paddle a bit more to have a bite to eat at The Spot, a local burger joint that has a pier and dock where you can tie up your kayak and eat very fine burgers and other fine sandwiches on the patio.

Let's take a look at the Map:

If you're wondering what the distances for the itinerary might be, it's approximately 2.75 miles to The Spot, 1.9 miles to Indian Island.

Freshwater Marsh Birds

"The marsh’s waters are home to mallards, double-crested cormorants, and various
species of gulls. Terns like to forage here. State-endangered bald eagles winter in the area, to partake of fish and carrion left over from spawning activities in these open waters. Where plants peek above the water’s surface (emergent vegetation), a large number of western grebes are found. Pied-billed grebes, mallards, cinnamon teals, American coot, marsh wrens, and red-winged, tri-colored and yellow-headed blackbirds also live here." -- Anderson Marsh State Historic Park Brochure

Riparian Woodland Birds You Might See

Great Blue Herons, Red-shouldered hawks, great horned owls, Anna’s hummingbirds, American crows, wood ducks, phainopepla, golden eagles, and northern orioles thrive in Riparian Woodland.

Enjoy your kayak trip. Don't let go of that camera.