Colorado Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Colorado Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/6/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/6/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail2 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/6/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

3/6/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/6/2026Los Angeles River--Soto St.1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

3/6/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

3/6/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/6/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Treehill Trail1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/6/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

3/6/2026Santa Ana River mouth4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Redhead

33/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

63/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/5/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

33/5/2026

American Coot

103/5/2026

Marbled Godwit

33/5/2026

Willet

13/5/2026

Least Sandpiper

153/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/5/2026

Snowy Egret

23/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

23/5/2026

House Sparrow

23/5/2026

House Finch

23/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

23/5/2026

Song Sparrow

33/5/2026

Hooded Oriole

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Colorado Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Colorado Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Colorado Lagoon?
Notable species at Colorado Lagoon include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Rock Pigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Colorado Lagoon?
Birding at Colorado Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Colorado Lagoon?
Colorado Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.