Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ruddy Duck 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

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/6/2026Don Edwards NWR--Env. Ed. Ctr. (EEC) and nearby upland areas1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Ed Levin CP--Spring Valley area4 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026Lone Hill Park3 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

3/5/2026Salt Pond A121 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

3/5/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

3/3/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

63/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

2003/6/2026

American Wigeon

503/6/2026

Mallard

83/6/2026

American Coot

103/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

43/6/2026

American Avocet

403/6/2026

Killdeer

103/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

13/6/2026

California Gull

403/6/2026

Snowy Egret

43/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

American White Pelican

33/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

13/6/2026

American Crow

63/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/6/2026

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 Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas for birding?
The best months to visit Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Notable species at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.