Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

3/5/2026Williams Canyon, Orange County1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/1/2026The Legends Golf Club1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/1/202638208 Calle Cipres, Murrieta US-CA 33.56722, -117.252101 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/22/2026Meadows Park18 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

2/22/2026Las Flores1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

2/22/2026French Valley Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

143/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

43/5/2026

Mallard

73/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

33/5/2026

American Coot

163/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

Snowy Egret

43/5/2026

Great Egret

33/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

33/5/2026

American White Pelican

83/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

83/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Common Raven

33/5/2026

Horned Lark

53/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

23/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

23/5/2026

Gadwall

22/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

12/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

22/28/2026

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 Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin?
Notable species at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin?
Birding at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin?
Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.