Irvine Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Irvine Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snowy Egret, Turkey Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

3/5/2026Lago Santa Margarita1 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

3/5/2026Skyline Drive at Miramar Drive (Fullerton)2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Craig Regional Park, Fullerton1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/5/2026Laguna Coast Wilderness Park5 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

3/5/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

3/5/2026Williams Canyon, Orange County1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/4/2026Brookhurst Marsh1 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

3/4/2026UC Natural Reserve System Ponds 4-112 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/4/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Lakeview Ave. to Imperial Hwy3 observed

Red-lored Amazon

Amazona autumnalis

3/4/202626632 Sinforosa Dr, Mission Viejo US-CA 33.60996, -117.665311 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snowy Egret

52/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

112/26/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/26/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

12/26/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

12/26/2026

Common Raven

42/26/2026

Canada Goose

22/22/2026

Northern Shoveler

22/22/2026

Gadwall

82/22/2026

American Wigeon

102/22/2026

Mallard

62/22/2026

Ring-necked Duck

252/22/2026

Ruddy Duck

102/22/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

12/22/2026

American Coot

102/22/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

72/22/2026

Eared Grebe

22/22/2026

Western Grebe

202/22/2026

Clark's Grebe

22/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Irvine Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Irvine Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Irvine Lake?
Notable species at Irvine Lake include Snowy Egret, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Acorn Woodpecker. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Irvine Lake?
Birding at Irvine Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Irvine Lake?
Irvine Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.