Birding in Lake Tahoe at Pope Beach
Pope Beach and Pope Marsh.
It’s the quintessential spot for bird watching in South Lake Tahoe.
Identify Birds with South Lake Tahoe Group

You know what they say… Birds of a feather flock together.
Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) 2013 Spring Events
Enjoy a great day outdoors while soaking up some knowledge about the beautiful area you call home with the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS). TINS hosts several activities and events to bring Tahoe’s natural history, science, and conservation issues to the public through walks and talks, citizen science programs, or other special events.
Mark your calendar for the following 2013 Spring and Summer TINS events from bird counts , bird walks, and even an owling excursion!
Birding Under Summer Skies in Hope Valley with Jim Woods July 6
Discover dabblers, divers and other feathered friends on an early morning walk with local birder and Lahontan Audubon Society member, Jim Woods, at Sorensen’s Resort July 6, 2013.
Catch summer birds in their native habitat, which will include a trek toward Indian Creek Reservoir, Turtle Rock and the creeks around the historic town of Markleeville. With informed guide and local birder Jim Woods, plan on having a fun and informative nature day with our local birds as the star of the show.
Look. Up in the sky! It’s a Pelican! A Pelican?
You may have seen them lately because they’re only here in the Spring.
Big white birds, flying in perfect formation high in the sky. Lake Tahoe is in the migratory path of pelicans.
White Pelicans in fact.
Eagles and Agriculture February 22-24
This remarkable interaction between nature and agriculture attracts photographers, birders and nature-lovers of all kinds who come to closely observe bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and a variety of other birds and wildlife species.
It’s a bird lover’s paradise during the 9th Annual Eagles and Agriculture Event February 22-24, 2013 in Carson Valley. read more →
Winter Birds of the Region with TINS Feb 12
Many birds survive the cold and snow of the Sierra Nevada in winter. Learn how birds are capable of surviving cold weather, how some birds only end up in the Tahoe area in winter, what some of the species to expect in winter are, and what rarities might show up.
Join the Tahoe Institute of Natural Science for “Winter Birds of the Region” on February 12 from 5:30 to 7PM for a slide show and fascinating presentation.
So Lake Tahoe Christmas Bird Count Dec 14
The South Lake Tahoe Christmas Bird Count on Friday, December 14th from 8am until sundown, is a chance to do some birding in the winter, socialize with other birders and contribute to the largest, longest running citizen science program in the world.
Novices to experts are all welcome for this fun winter event that focuses the 7.5 mile radius count circle on the Upper Truckee River mouth.
The Magical Sounds of Tahoe Birds

Cheese-Burg-er.
It’s the distinctive 3-note whistle of the Mountain Chickadee.
Bird Banding with Tahoe Institute of Natural Science Sept 24

On September 24th, TINS will launch a new bird banding field trip program with sixty 8th graders from South Tahoe Middle School at a banding site at Pope Marsh. Students will rotate between three stations where they will learn about bird banding, the physics of flight, and how to identify birds in the field.
Don’t miss the Bird Banding Demonstrations in Blackwood Canyon, just north of Homewood on September 8th, from 7am to 11am.
Wild Tahoe Weekend has gone to the Birds at Taylor Creek June 2-3
Learn about native plants, birds and animals at the “Wild Tahoe Weekend” presented by the USFS on June 2 and 3, starting with the 3rd annual Lake Tahoe Bird Festival on Saturday. Sunday goes wild with the Native Species Festival.
The events will take place 10am-4pm each day and includes bird walks, a species spotlight, crafts, live birds, a kid zone, a raffle, music and food. When you’re done, walk over to Baldwin Beach right next door and help remove that nasty Eurasian watermilfoil that harms our lake at the aquatic removal day.
Summer Avian Visitors: Birding at Lake Tahoe at Sierra Nevada College June 14

Summer is a perfect time to learn about birds that migrate to Lake Tahoe for the season – and boy are they noisy this year. Join Kirk Hardie, Co- Executive Director of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science for a lecture on June 14th followed by a bird watching walk on June 16th to introduce us to the migratory birds of the Lake Tahoe region.
Great Backyard Bird Count Hike Feb 19
Bring the whole family to Galena Creek Park to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count hike from 1pm-2pm on February 19. During the short hike you’ll take 10 minute breaks to count the birds. Upon return to the Visitor Center, numbers will be tabulated and added to the national database.
Please bring binoculars and register at (775) 849-4948. Suggested donation $5 per person.
Lake Tahoe Bird Festival Walks June 4
Learn about birds of Lake Tahoe at the FREE guided bird hikes during the 2nd Annual Lake Tahoe Bird Festival on June 4th, 2011 with Will and Kirk from Tahoe Institute for Natural Sciences.
Free bird hikes will take place at Spooner Lake, Cove East Restoration area, and Blackwood Canyon from approximately 8:00 – 10:30am.
Birds of the Truckee Meadows Classes through June 7
Through June 7, 2011 Lahontan Audubon Society will present its popular “Birds of the Truckee Meadows” series of classes on bird identification.
Each session is presented by a different local expert. This is an excellent learning opportunity for new birders, birders new to the area, or birders seeking a review to identify birds in the Truckee Meadows.
Spring Birding Hot Spots by local Expert
Spring Birding Hot Spots in South Tahoe Area
by Sue Stevenson, South Shore artist and avid birder
Woodie Woodpecker spotted at Fallen Leaf Lake

Their pecking sounds painful.
They’re so loud that sometimes they sound like jackhammers.










