Lassen Volcanic National Park lies at the southern extremity of the volcanic Cascade Mountain range, and north of the Sierra Nevada. To the east of the park spreads the high desert plateau of the Great Basin. Here at Lassen one typically finds birds characteristic of all three regions.

Elevations in the park range from 5200 ft. to 10,457 ft. with attendant climatic changes influencing predominant plant and animal associations. Summers are generally dry, with average daytime high temperatures in the 70's and 80's at lower elevations, but it can be cold and snow any month of the year. Winters are severe with average snow depths greater than 20 ft. in places and the higher peaks under snow 9-10 months a year.

Mineral and Battle Creek Meadows experience milder winters and more precipitation in the form of rain at their 4900-foot elevation, so some species descend only this far in winter. Battle Creek Meadows is also part of a mini east-west flyway between the Great Basin and the Sacramento Valley and often harbors interesting migrants.

Birds are found everywhere in the park but for greatest variety look around the larger lower elevation lakes like Manzanita and Butte, for a wealth of habitats are found together and many birds can easily find food, shelter and water.